Trey Burke finished one win away from leading Michigan to an NCAA championship. He did so by making strong improvements to practically every aspect of his game following his freshman year.
Burke played about a minute less per contest (36.1 to 35.4) this season, but still managed to score more points (18.6 to 14.8), shoot a higher percentage (46 to 43.3 percent) and dish out more assists (6.6 to 4.6) than his freshman year. Standing at 6’0, he is a bit a undersized for the NBA. But like other undersized players that we’ve highlighted lately, Burke makes up for it in a 6’5 wingspan. As far as intangibles are concerned, the 20-year-old guard is smart and appears to show the kind of leadership one needs to be a successful point guard in the NBA.
Regarding his weaknesses, Burke was candid about them when asked at this year’s NBA Draft Combine.
Defensive intensity, not overdribbling at times, being more a student of the game, just different reads and things like that. I feel like my game has come a long way from my freshmen year to my sophomore year because I watched a lot of film. I wasn’t playing at a fast pace. I was playing at my own pace and I was able to make plays because I was able to see things before they happen. If I continue to improve in that area, it’ll improve my game.
Depending on how the new ownership and potential front office feels about the team’s existing point guards, Burke could be an option for the Sacramento Kings. However with interest reportedly coming from teams like the Magic and Pelicans, he might be off the board by the time the Kings are on the clock.
Mike Schmitz, an assistant video coordinator for the D-League’s Bakersfield Jam and former contributor to TrueHoop Network affiliate Valley of the Suns, has been putting together video scouting reports of prospects for Draft Express the last two years. Get to know more about Burke in Schmitz’s breakdown below.
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