WN: An Open Letter To Trey Burke

Submitted by Mr. Yost on

I did a site search to make sure this hasn't been posted, but I'm sure it could've been in the thread with 300+ posts.

Nonetheless, it makes some GREAT points to Burke and not everyone is going to sift through 300 posts to find the article if it is in there.

It's supposed to be unbiased --- it's by one of the editors on ESPN's WolverineNation (Bob McClellan).

http://espn.go.com/colleges/michigan/basketball/story/_/id/7778236/trey-burke-mulls-leaving-michigan-wolverines

BlueNation

April 5th, 2012 at 10:32 PM ^

When I heard that he was even contemplating it, I thought that there was a zero percent chance he'd leave. Now it seems like he will be going. The only problem is that there isn't a good chance for his success or a first round pick. He isn't NBA ready. I would say to stay until he's a Sophmore, maybe a Junior. However, he's probably thinking "What if I get injured" or "What if I pull a Kalin Lucas and not play up to my potential in the next year or 2?" So he's probably going to take the guaranteed money.

acnumber1

April 5th, 2012 at 10:43 PM ^

Trey,

Consider your options carefully.  Trust the input of those who have been close to you for a long time.  Make the decision with which you are most comfortable.  Ignore anyone (and there will be many) who criticize your decision.  Your life, your call, best of luck either way!

All the best,

Rational fans

 

3rdGenerationBlue

April 5th, 2012 at 10:55 PM ^

Burke is a very good college player with the potential to be a great college player. It sounds like his family is encouraging him to stay in school - he should heed their advice. He is more likely to go later in the second round than squeak into the first. Either way, he lacks the size, strength, and stamina to compete in the NBA next season. Staying gives him the opportunity to work on two of those three areas but his size and lack of elite athleticism will always hinder his ability to create his own shots in the NBA. As a result he should stay and work on being a better distributor and ball handler partially with his off hand. Another year of shooting from range and hitting some clutch shots will build his reputation as a reliable player with bankable skills. Best guess he goes for it this year but doesn't stick in the league long - the good news is he will make a very good pro in the leagues outside the US (if his pride doesn't get in the way).

EECS Grad '15

April 6th, 2012 at 12:44 AM ^

Might as well throw in what I've heard. Buddy of mine works in the athletic department as a manager tells me that Burke REALLY hates school. Like a new level of hate for school. Told me he's leaving just to get out of classes and what not, doesn't want to put up with it for another year. Just what I've heard..

singler makes …

April 6th, 2012 at 2:18 AM ^

"It's supposed to be unbiased --- it's by one of the editors on ESPN's WolverineNation (Bob McClellan)."

how does this make it unbiased?

 

2md round money is still money. Take it and prosper.

mgoblue15

April 6th, 2012 at 4:26 AM ^

I am just ready to hear what he is going to do. If he goes pro I wish him the best, if he stays I will be excited. I just want to know one way or the other. 

vablue

April 6th, 2012 at 7:38 AM ^

One factor that never seems to be discussed in these things is his legacy at Michigan. If he stays he will likely leave with a huge legacy at Michigan. Possibly one of the best point guards ever. In the short term that means nothing. But in the long term that gives him a place to come back to, Ann Arbor, and earn money when his NBA career is done. It's basically a long term insurance policy on his NBA career. Whether its on the radio, coaching or any other wide range of jobs I bet somebody would give him a shot if he stays. If he goes, his legacy here is soon forgotten by many.

On another note, huge kudos to Burke's family. It's nice to see a family giving their kid sound advice and not just trying to make money off him. This is a rarity in theses days.

jmblue

April 6th, 2012 at 10:39 AM ^

Well, after tugging on our heartstrings like this, if Burke does decide to come back, he'll be a hero - and if he were to leave next year, he probably wouldn't face much criticism, since he'd have given us two years as the starting PG.    

phork

April 6th, 2012 at 1:08 PM ^

The fact of the matter is that his draft stock will not rise, he is at the ceiling now.  Most kids go to college as a stepping stone to the pros.  Getting hurt next year means guaranteed money is gone.  As far as I am concerned, I would stay in college as long as humanly possible.  But athletes are different.

snarling wolverine

April 6th, 2012 at 1:18 PM ^

What a shock, a fan of an opposing school thinks he should go pro.

I don't agree that his stock can't go any higher.  He needs to improve as an on-the-ball defender.  We had problems this year against teams that featured dribble penetration.  Burke also can improve further as a playmaker, especially when facing hedges on the pick and roll (which is a bread-and-butter play for almost every NBA team).  He also could further develop his midrange game.

michiganbum3000

April 6th, 2012 at 5:48 PM ^

Just saw a mock draft that has Burke going to the Denver Nuggets in the second round. It's just a mock so its going to change about fifty times but if he could land on a team like Denver I think he could actually contribute and stick around the league. It's all about the fit, and I think he could make a career in the league with a team like Denver.