Ht/Wt: 6-1 / 187 lbs
Position: PG
Team: Michigan
Class: Sophomore

2013 Draft Profile - Trey Burke

Strengths

• Pick-and-roll experience: Michigan ran a "pro-style" uptempo spread offense, surrounding one true big man with four shooters. Burke will have to transition to a shorter shot clock, better defensive schemes and personnel, and a shorter leash, but it goes both ways. Spacing and shooting are also better in the NBA, and the tighter officiating discourages the gratuitous perimeter contact Burke encountered in the Big 10.
• Decision-making: Burke excelled at creating open for teammates and then actually getting them the ball. He also created open shots for himself, leading the Wolverines in points as well as assists. Burke limited his turnovers despite playing in an elite defensive conference.
• Passing: Burke displayed good vision and court awareness as well as the ability and creativity to complete passes. Burke consistently found bigs, spot-up shooters and cutters whether using the screen or driving and kicking out. Burke showcased an array of passes, including the alley-oop, though he tossed lobs primarily in transition (accurate from nearly mid-court).
• Shooting: Burke shoots jumpers well both off the dribble and off the catch, though as a point guard he attempted (and will attempt) far more of the former. He has legitimate NBA range, as many of his three-point attempts and makes were from 25-30 feet out. Burke has good touch from midrange, though he wasn't nearly as active from there, correctly preferring to pass or penetrate once inside the arc.
• Dribbling: Burke has a tight, controlled handle, though more solid than spectacular. His preferred dribble is the hesitation, and he can comfortably go left or right.
• Anticipating: Burke created extra possessions by intercepting passes as well as stripping ballhandlers. Beyond good timing, he indicated familiarity with the scouting report, often acquiring steals by knowing the opponent's next move (instead of gambling).
• Intangibles: Burke was the acknowledged leader of the Michigan locker room. He plays with poise regardless of the score or situation. Confident and resilient, he is not overwhelmed by big moments or big stages. Perhaps most importantly, he proactively works hard, dramatically improving in the offseasons before his senior year of high school and sophomore year of college.

Weaknesses

• Size: Burke lists at 6'1", 187 lbs. with a 6'5.5" wingspan. Bigger opponents will be able to post him up, shoot over him or pass around him on offense and crowd his drives, contest his shots and shrink his passing windows and angles defensively.
• Athleticism: Burke is a good, not great, athlete playing the most athletic position in the NBA. Specifically, his relative lack of speed, quickness, and explosiveness (i.e. first step) will make it much more difficult for him to consistently get into the lane at the next level, though craftiness and a good screen can compensate to some extent. Additionally, the absence of hand-checking, a friendlier whistle and more raw space to maneuver may incentivize more drives.
• Defense: Burke is a mediocre defender in terms of both effort and effectiveness. He particularly struggles when screened, though hardly a standout in isolation. Again, Burke's size and athleticism (really, the lack thereof) will do him no favors here, as he'll be at a distinct disadvantage most nights.
• Shot selection: Burke has a tendency to settle for deep threes early in the clock. When they go in, they're incredible; when they don't, they're awful. In the NBA, he probably won't be designated the go-to scorer, so hopefully he'll pick his spots better. However, seeing as he usually had to step back to create separation (note: it worked), perhaps he was simply unable to get clean looks nearer or later.
• Finishing: Even when Burke does get to the rim, he has trouble converting the lay-up, often settling for hesitant floaters. He is not a threat to dunk in the halfcourt and he rarely draws fouls.

Point of Reference: Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic: Burke and Nelson share a similar frame and a similar game. Nelson, listed at 6'0" and 190 lbs., was also the National Player of the Year in college. He is currently the team's captain (i.e. emotional leader). On the court, Nelson is a pick-and-roll guard who can really shoot the ball, especially from three. Though a natural scorer, Nelson is a more than capable passer, particularly when lobbing alley-oops. He also generates a fair amount of steals while limiting his own turnovers. Nelson orchestrated a similar four-out, one-in system under Stan Van Gundy en route to an All-Star berth in 2009. Burke is not currently as good as Jameer used to be, but in the right situation, he can be an impact player in the NBA (not necessarily as a starter, but certainly a net positive). At the least, his seasoning in the pick-and-roll enable him to contribute right away.

Sources: SBNation, Youtube, NBA.com, The Corner Three and Kenpom

Player profile submitted by: Chris Philip - May. 23rd 2013

Born in columbus, played for Michigan. That right there, you know he can make tough choices. Undersized at only 6 foot and 180. Good scorer with undeestimated passing game. Very quick decision making with killer instincts. Comparable player is ty Lawson.

Player profile submitted by: Brandon Luthman

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Trey Burke Videos

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