After a disappointing 65-60 loss at the hands of the Ohio Bobcats, it was widely expected that Michigan freshman phenom Trey Burke had played in his last game in the Maize & Blue. Out of high school, Burke wasn’t a widely coveted recruit, but he exploded onto the college basketball scene early, and his breakout was one of the most surprising stories in college basketball last year.
As a freshman, Burke averaged 14.8 points per game while dishing out 4.6 assists and snatching 3.5 rebounds per game. As a result of his brilliant freshman campaign, he shared Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors with Indiana center Cody Zeller. He also became regarded as a borderline first round draft pick. It was widely expected that he would put his name into the NBA Draft, and when he didn’t, he became hyped to be one of the best players in college basketball for the 2012-2013 season. He certainly has lived up to that hype.
Burke has carried Michigan all year, and now he has them in the Final Four. Burke’s most spectacular performance of the tournament so far came in the upset of Kansas. Trailing 72-62 with only 2:22 remaining, Burke was the catalyst in leading a shocking comeback. Burke scored eight points in the final 1:16, including a three pointer from 30+ feet with five seconds left that sent the game into overtime.
Burke added five more points in overtime helping Michigan earn an 87-85 win. After being held scoreless in the first half, Burke ended the game with 23 points and 10 assists. Burke followed up his incredible performance against Kansas by scoring 15 points and adding eight rebounds and seven assists as Michigan blew away Florida in a 79-59 win earning the Wolverines a trip to the Final Four.
The sophomore from Columbus, Ohio was nothing short of spectacular all year. He’s averaging 18.8 points, 6.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the floor and 38% from behind the three point line. Burke’s performance this year has made him a lottery prospect, and in this weak draft, he could very well go in the top 10.
NBA scouts will love Burke’s heart and determination and the way he’s thrived in his leadership role. He’s a big-time player and has made big shots. The way he’s carried his team as an undersized point guard makes you immediately think of Kemba Walker who’s having a very good second season for the Charlotte Bobcats. Burke has that killer instinct that is hard to find in players nowadays and gives it his all every possession. Burke has maintained a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and continues to improve as a floor general.
Burke thrives in pick-and-roll situations, and despite being short, he has a 6’5” wingspan. This added length improves his chances of finishing at the rim at the next level. Burke is a gritty defender and is great at anticipating the next move of opposing guards which allows him to get his hands on the ball and strip it away consistently. Burke has great body strength which allows him to finish on drives at the rim when drawing contact. He’s great playing off the ball and very good in catch and shoot situations. He also excels at shots where he pulls up off the dribble.
As far as weaknesses go, concern number one is obviously his size. For being so small, Burke hasn’t shown elite quickness yet which he’ll need to make it past bigger, stronger guards at the next level. He also isn’t ridiculously athletic, and scouts have questioned his athleticism. He’s more effective in the half-court game than in transition; he also relies on going to the right too much. He needs to work on his left hand so he won’t be as predictable in the NBA. In order to score close to the rim, Burke needs to add a tear-drop to his arsenal which is something he has been consistent with yet.
Player Comparison: Kemba Walker
The way Burke has carried his team with clutch shots on the big scene despite being small makes you automatically think of Kemba Walker. Their games are very similar; in fact, Burke has been a slightly better shooter than Walker ever was in college. Burke should leave Michigan this year, and he probably will. His stock is as high as it can possibly get right now, and with how weak this class is, he would go higher than he would in most drafts. He seems ready for the professional level, and he should enjoy a very nice career in the NBA.
By Brian Emory
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