Trey Burke - NBA caliber?

Submitted by ypsituckyboy on

I was reading Chad Ford's blog yesterday about the Maui Invitational, and found one of his comments to be particularly surprising:

There was a lot of hand-wringing over what Michigan would do at point guard since Darius Morris left for the NBA. Trey Burke is quickly allaying any fears that Wolverine fans may have. After getting off to a shaky first game versus Ferris State, Burke has steadied. On Monday, he was terrific scoring, 14 points and handing out 4 assists. What stood out most was Burke's poise in the face of an athletic and aggressive defense from Memphis. A number of NBA scouts are keeping a close eye on Burke. While he's not an elite draft prospect yet, the potential -- thanks to a great NBA body, quickness and poise -- is there.

I was pretty surprised to hear that NBA scouts are watching Burke, and I was even more surprised to hear that he's got the potential to be a high level prospect. I just assumed that at 6'1" and 175 his body wasn't cut out for the NBA, but I guess I'm clearly wrong. At first I assumed that all the talk on the Rivals board about Burke only being here for 2-3 years was ridiculously premature. I still think it's premature, but to a far lesser degree. If Burke can play like he did against Memphis on a consistent basis (and I don't think that was even close to the best that we'll see out of him), then we've got another PG gem on our hands.

artds

November 22nd, 2011 at 8:53 AM ^

I think NBA scouts might consider him too little. He's the same height as Kalin Lucas. If doing all that Lucas did doesn't get you any NBA interest, it's hard to imagine how much more you'd have to do to generate it. 

ypsituckyboy

November 22nd, 2011 at 8:56 AM ^

Did you even read the bolded text? NBA scouts were at the UM/Memphis game. Chad Ford talked to them. They think Trey Burke has the body and quickness for the NBA. NBA scouts know more than you.

Also, Kalin Lucas' height wasn't the problem. 5'6" Earl Boykins plays in the NBA for goodness sake. The problem was that Lucas wasn't a true point guard. He didn't have the ball-handling skills or court vision required to play PG in the NBA.

ypsituckyboy

November 22nd, 2011 at 10:48 AM ^

Not really, just found your comment to be kinda dumb given that Ford specifically says at the outset of the article (before his bullet points) that he was sitting among NBA scouts/GM's. It's logical to assume that he was, more or less, telling the reader that his observations were drawn from his interactions with them and their reactions to the game since the whole article was about NBA scouting.

 

Elmer

November 22nd, 2011 at 8:58 AM ^

He's a quick point guard who can shoot.  His size will not prevent him from playing in the NBA.  Isiah Thomas was the same height, he did OK.  There are a bunch of point guards that are around 6'0 tall.  Burke has already put on some muscle, he'll have adequate strength also.

nofunforfu

November 22nd, 2011 at 9:00 AM ^

In the same blog entry I was a little surprised to see the mention that scouts considered Hardaway Jr. a "marginal pro prospect." Apparently through just a few games now that sentiment has grown to thought of him as a "potential late first-round pick."

Regardless of their current belief, I hope we don't have to worry about that for at least one more season.

MI Expat NY

November 22nd, 2011 at 10:09 AM ^

If the NBA loses this season (almost a certainty at this point), the lockout will continue most likely through next year's draft.  I don't know how many "potential" first round picks will declare for the draft.  Add in that THJ doesn't need the money, and with his dad, he shouldn't be able to be conned by anyone saying that an end to the lockout is right around the corner.  I'm hopeful that we won't have to worry and will have a stacked team in 2012-13.

 

O Fo Sho

November 22nd, 2011 at 9:04 AM ^

Are in Maui to watch a lot of elite talent in one place at the same time.  They aren't going to not watch Burke when he's on the floor.  6'1" is not a major hurrdle to the NBA, if he has the speed, quickness, skills to make it happen.

 

Flying Dutchman

November 22nd, 2011 at 9:10 AM ^

Hell, I can't wait to see what he can do against Duke in the 5th game of his college career.   He's playing against NBA-caliber talent tonight, so lets have that be his first test.   

Ready the Duke-beating Muppets.

SamIam

November 22nd, 2011 at 9:42 AM ^

Allen Iverson was about the same size....he may have been listed as taller but he wasnt.  I have been on the same court as him at a rec center in Hampton, VA

ijohnb

November 22nd, 2011 at 9:54 AM ^

Burke should declare for the Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chirs Paul traveling lockout league.  That is going to be all kinds of fun.

Blue boy johnson

November 22nd, 2011 at 10:08 AM ^

I have thought for a while Burke might not last 4 years at M. I think he may will himself to the NBA after 3 years. The way Burke carries himself on the court, his mannerisms and his cerebral nature, reminds me of  Philidelphia 76er great Maurice Cheeks

96goblue00

November 22nd, 2011 at 11:43 AM ^

Sure the big guys dominate the NBA, but small guys have had success as well:

 

Allen Iverson

Listed height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight 165 lb (75 kg)

Tim Hardaway

Listed height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight 175 lb (79 kg)

John Stockton

Listed height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Listed weight 175 lb (79 kg)

Earl Boykins

Listed height 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Listed weight 133 lb (60 kg)

Spudd Webb

Listed height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Listed weight 133 lb (60 kg)

Muggsy Bogues

Listed height 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)
Listed weight 136 lb (62 kg)

 

BrownJuggernaut

November 22nd, 2011 at 12:37 PM ^

Rajon Rondo is 6-1, 171 lbs. 

I don't think that Burke is too small. Obviously, he could put on some weight. His game isn't about quickness as much as Rondo's is. It would help him a little bit. He's only a freshmen, so he has plenty of time to grow. I know that Darius has a few inches on him, but as far as overall game, I think Burke is further along than Darius was as a freshmen. Once Burke matures and begins to understand situations better, he could be better.

As far as the NBA scouts, I'm sure they're all at the games checking out players that catch their eye. I know they're look at THJ and probably looking at some of Memphis's talent. You also have Austin Rivers. Burke played pretty well yesterday, so it's not out of the question that down the line, the scouts might see him as a selection in the draft.

Slim_Hype

November 22nd, 2011 at 6:17 PM ^

He has a really good build for the league. Hes only about 6 foot but his arms are freakishly long for a guy his size which will help him on defense. He is also very quick on D and O. Really nice shot. He definitely has great potential.