Michigan point guard Trey Burke 'has nothing to lose' by seeking advisory committe's opinion, NBA draft analyst says
Michigan point guard Trey Burke isn't high on many mock NBA draft boards. That's mainly because draft analysts don't expect him to leave school, one told AnnArbor.com.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Will he stay, or will he go?
Suddenly, Michigan basketball point guard Trey Burke has a rather difficult decision in front of him.
On Wednesday, Burke's father, Benji, confirmed that his son will file paperwork with the NBA undergraduate advisory committee in order to assess his stock if he opts to declare for the 2012 NBA draft.
The 5-foot-11 Burke hasn't officially declared for anything yet, but what might happen if he opts to leave school early?
"I think if you look back over the last 20 years, you're going to have a hard time finding a lot of guys under 6-feet tall who were one and dones," DraftExpress.com analyst Jonathan Givony told AnnArbor.com.
"That doesn't mean he can't be the first one to do that. But, usually those kind of guys stay more than one year."
Burke may not have impressive NBA-caliber size, but Givony was quick to point out that he does have serious production credentials.
He finished his freshman season as Michigan's leading scorer, led the team to a share of its first Big Ten title in 26 years and was the league's co-Freshman of the Year.
"He had a very impressive season," Givony said. "He kind of came out of nowhere. Not a lot of people were expecting him to be one of the best freshmen in college basketball, but that's exactly what he was.
"He was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Obviously it's legit, he led his team to the NCAA Tournament, had some tremendous games, and that's no joke. He has a right to consider his pro potential at this point."
By filing papers to the advisory committee, Burke's doing just that. He's not making a declaration, he's just putting out feelers at this point.
It's a practice that's far from uncommon, but with recent rule changes, players considering an early exit to the NBA don't have nearly as much time to mull things over as they used to.
Players won't be able to work out for teams until the official early-entrant list is finalized, which happens in May. And, at that time, any player on that list has officially lost his college eligibility.
Anyone filing paperwork with the advisory committee must do so by April 3. The deadline for underclassmen to remove their name from the draft and officially return to school is April 10.
"You have to submit your name by April 3, and then within three days, they give you feedback of where you're projected to be drafted," Givony said. "And that doesn't even mean you enter the draft, you can do that without entering the draft. Any underclassman can submit their name to the advisory board.
"So there's really nothing to lose by doing that."
As far as current NBA mock drafts go, Burke's name doesn't make much of an appearance right now.
Givony and DraftExpress.com does not currently project Burke as a first- or second-round seleection in the 2012 draft, but they do tab him as the 30th overall selection in the 2013 draft.
Givony's latest college freshmen rankings slot Burke at No. 34 overall in the country.
ESPN.com draft analyst Chad Ford was in step with Givony as of Wednesday night. Burke's name does not appear on his initial first-round projection.
However, that doesn't mean he doesn't have a shot at being taken.
Givony said one of the main reasons Burke doesn't appear on his 2012 board at this point is because he didn't expect him to be someone who may leave early.
But should he officially declare, that all could change.
"I think he would probably (get drafted), if he entered, yeah," Givony said. "It depends on who else entered and all of that. But I'm not going to put him in tomorrow, we'll wait and see if he actually enters or not.
"In April, it'll be very simple, we'll know who's in and who isn't and we'll go from there."
Should Burke leave school early, it'd mark the third straight season a Michigan guard turned professional before exhausting his college eligibility.
Manny Harris left after his junior season in 2010 and Darius Morris declared for the draft after his sophomore campaign in 2011. Harris was not drafted, but did catch on with the Cleveland Cavaliers a year ago, and was recently promoted from the NBA Development League for the remainder of the 2012 campaign.
Morris, meanwhile, was chosen in the second round (41st overall) by the Los Angeles Lakers. He has spent time in the NBADL this season, but is current a member of the Lakers' active roster.
Would Burke be better off leaving school early or returning for his sophomore season?
Right now, that's what he intends on finding out.
"The question is, would he be better served coming back (to school)?" Givony said. "That's what he needs to figure out with his family and his coaches and the advisory board and all of that."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
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Comments
rightmind250
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 : 4:08 p.m.
He will probably go pro because he doesn't want to face Aaron Craft again. What was he like 1-11 shooting with 6 turnovers?
Kyle
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
should trey burke go? probably not will he go more than likely. Did anyone think manny harris or darius morris would leave no but they did. It would be a mistake because hes too small and needs more experience. He played bad his last 2 games he needs work on his vision and his shot selection needs one more year
ferdcom
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:29 p.m.
Let's not forget there's more to professional basketball then the NBA. If a player is not happy in school -- taking classes, studying, little free time, etc. --- he has the same options as baseball and hockey players. Good basketball players can earn very good money playing in Europe. Some might prefer that to college.
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
What's interesting to me about this is that Burke doesn't seem to have any interest in the exciting trio of players joining the program this fall. The NBA has made a huge mistake in not adopting the same draft rules as the NFL (three years separating high school from the draft). The result is that top college players no longer see college as a place to win championships and build camaraderie. And the result of that is an NBA filled with players we don't know or care about. Do you think anyone here will remember Darius Morris ten years from now? But we sure remember Rumeal Robinson, and that was 23 years ago. I've always liked the college game better than the pro game, but all these one-and-dones is starting to sap my interest in college basketball. I hope he comes to his senses. It would be a poor career decision.
Pickforddick
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
And you do not believe an education is worth working for sunset? Therein lies the problem.
Bonsai
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.
You must be very close with Mr. Burke to know the inner workings of his decision-making. I would surmise he's weighing the chances of winning an NCAA championship and the camaraderie of his teammates against the possibly fleeting chance to become a millionaire in a few months. It's funny to me that people feel they know what's best for these people just from watching them play basketball.
Hookemhorn
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.
Hey keepingitreal, instead of endlessly posting about the so called, unfortunate athlete, why don't you provide an outlet for these "poor kids" who we're "taken advantage of". Provide them with finding for continuing their education or provide them with careers after graduation! Come on, these student athletes can go into whatever major they choose! They can choose to stay for four years to complete their degree and complete their eligibility too! They have their school and board fully paid for those four years as well! I had to pay for my own college education and find my own career after schooling!! I didn't expect my University to find me a career after school!!
Pickforddick
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 7:02 p.m.
I agree...........These athletes are nothing special when it comes to learning, how often do they return to school to further their education?
Hookemhorn
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 5 p.m.
Hey keepingitreal, instead of endlessly posting about the so called, unfortunate athlete, why don't you provide an outlet f
Testosteronewarrior
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:09 p.m.
I believe he should stay at least 1 or if not 2 more years. Better money in the long run and being a top 5 pick. Plus got to be alot better in college playing against people your way better then. I bet if you ask Webber and Co. They would have stuck it out another season. Nothing like the glory days before you go against the worlds best and it becomes along grind. If your family needs it then Go but if not enjoy it young man your only young once . And the NBA will always be there for you. Good luck at least we got a year to watch you before you get lost in the NBA suffle Go Blue and God bless
Pickforddick
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:58 p.m.
You mean Webber that caused so many problems for U of M because he didn't follow the rules
The1Cool
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
You mean #1 Draft Pick Webber? Rookie of the Year, 5 time All Star, NBA 1st Team Webber?
michboy40
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
It doesn't make sense that he would enter the draft, but it didn't make sense for Manny and Darius either...so I guess we will see
Just Blue
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
Can't blame Burke. Everyones bailing out from the WV genius whose system will never produce a National Championship. Must be a bad atmosphere to play at Crisler knowing you have a low ceiling.
Hookemhorn
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 4:25 p.m.
Yeah, we need to get a guy like Calipari in here!! Someone who will take us to some final fours and then we end up getting sanctions for the mess he leaves behind!! That's a great idea!!!
Justin
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.
yeah obe1ball a 20 yr old high schooler who will pull the same thing as burke after one year and enter the draft or just be a complete bust and a bunch of post players who havent seen the floor are going to pick up the slack lol. Beilein's system is awful! You have success once you create depth and Beilein just doesn't do that. You get those freshman playing time so that by the time they are juniors or seniors they are leaders. Why do you think all these people are transferring? He had a 4 STAR recruit and he played a total of 44 minutes the entire year? Come on man open your eyes they won't go anywhere come march, just like they didn't this year.
obe1ball
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
So who left? Two players that weren't going to play and another who played like he had his foot out the door, for most of the season. McGary, Robinson , Stauskas, Horford, Biefeldt + whoever comes in with the new openings, will MORE than make-up for these additions by subtractions.
Pickforddick
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.
When are we going to start holding these athletes to a commitment? We give them full scholarships, free of charge, and then they stay one or two years and leave without paying back one penny. There are other good students turned away to make room for these non learning athletes. I would like to see something in place that says if you sign up to a full four year scholarship you have to stay the four years or graduate early. If you do not like that then you pay your own way from the beginning and you can come as a walk on and leave when you want. I have always been under the impression that you go to school for an education but apparently this is not the case with so many athletes. It is time for a change, at all colleges and University's.
Pickforddick
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
Sounds like everyone wants a free ride, sorry that will be coming to an end, these athletes, some, go to college and upon leaving have a hard time speaking the English language correctly. This is a problem that you can't deny.
RWBill
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.
What should he pay back? The AD paid the U the cost of tuition for that academic year. He attended and passed classes. In turn he worked hard about 12 hours a day wthout the free time other students had, and very admirably performed and brought great publicity to the U. What should he pay back, and why? One year scholarship for one year athletic participation. Fair. Are you seriously insinuating that with the vast facilities of this great 40,000+ university that 12 basketball players spaced over 4 class years prevent other worthy students from gaining admission? Yeah, we tried hard but we just couldn't squeeze in 3 more people. rofl not one person believes that, even you. Even when you extend it to 23 football players per class and 4 field hockey players no one is denied admission. There are about 125 full scholarship student-athletes per academic year, for which the AD writes an actual paper check and walks up the Hill and hands over full reimbursement. Sounds like you have real rage and jealousy issues. There are far far more expenditures of money and federal grant money being squandered at the U than the closely, by-the-dollar accountability at the AD. They need more scrutiny but aren't nearly as visible as the famous winged helmet and glorious strains of The Victors that garner national attention almost every week of the year.
The1Cool
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
"We"? You think you own these athletes?
Nic schweigert
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
That's a good thought. However there isn't 4 year scholarships handed out. It's one year scholarships and you have to earn them every year. Still doesn't seem fair to give someone a free ride for a year only to be dissed for the big bucks. Life's unfair tho
KeepingItReal
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
When are these colleges who are making a ton of money off these athletes going to start paying them..I don't think the athletes owe these universities anything. The football and basketball programs primarily fund the rest of college sports off the backs of Black athletes, so let Dave Brandon pay these guys from the profit they make. UM athletics is one of the most successful financial programs in the country, yet doe sa horrible job of graduating its athletes.
lugemachine
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
Manny and Darius went after the money... and forgetful, mediocre-to-poor NBA careers. They'll straddle the NBA/NBADL line for a few seasons, then maybe head to Europe... then what? Stay in school until you're a superstar (and a proven winner) and you'll get MUCH better NBA money and you'll be well-prepared for the next level.
KeepingItReal
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
What is Trey gets hurt next season. By the end of the year, no one will remember his name
burton163
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.
He's gone...no question about it. The new reality in college hoops. Have a good year and sign up for the draft. That being said, I think Hardaway's dad will convince Tim him to stick around for another year.
mookienation
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.
Those statements by his father won't mean crap if he isn't projected as a first rounder. His father wants the big bucks. He wants a lottery pick.
burton163
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 3:09 p.m.
I will gladly eat a whole platter full of crows if he comes back....but I would wager money he declares for the draft. The statements made by his father tell you all you need to know to predict how this will turn out.
obe1ball
Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
I'm glad you're so sure.Just make sure you come back when you have to eat crow. When his projections come back from the NBA advisory comm. and he's not a 1st round lock, then he comes back. With a good year next season while improving his game, he'll move himself into the mid-1st round.There's no need to leave right now, he's gonna play a ton of minutes with alot more talent around him at Michigan. Do you think he wants his lasting memory of Michigan, to be him being outplayed by DJ Cooper of Ohio, who is the same height and probably rated higher than Burke.