Report says Trey Burke expected to leave for NBA, Michigan point guard's father says he hasn't declared
CBS Sports is reporting that freshman point guard Trey Burke is leaving Michigan after one season.
Jeff Sainlar I AnnArbor.com
This story was updated at 5 p.m.
According to one report, Trey Burke's career as a Michigan basketball player is over.
CBSSports.com's Jeff Goodman reported Wednesday that the Wolverines' freshman point guard is expected to leave Michigan after one season and declare for the NBA draft.
Burke's father, Benji, told AnnArbor.com in a text message shortly after the report surfaced that "Trey has not declared and I haven't seen the report."
Minutes later, via his Twitter account, Benji Burke reiterated his comment.
"Trey Burke has not declared for the NBA draft," Benji tweeted. "He is still enrolled at the University of Michigan."
The 5-foot-11 Burke averaged 14.8 points, 4.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game last season for the Wolverines, earning the co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year award in the process.
Burke also was the first Michigan player since 1998 to earn mention on The Associated Press' All-America team.
A Michigan spokesman declined comment on the CBS Sports report.
Last month, Benji Burke confirmed that his son planned to seek advice from the NBA undergraduate advisory committee about where exactly he would land in the draft, should he declare.
"We figured we had to at least see what's going on," Benji told AnnArbor.com on March 21. "That's where we're at. We're wanting to see where we're at and go from there.
"As of right now, we would hope that he comes back, that's what we're leaning for. But at the same time, I have to be a dad and steer him right and support him. How do you tell a 19-year-old kid he can't inquire about (the NBA draft). It's very tough, and this is probably going to be one of the toughest decisions he's made in his life."
Should Burke declare, it'd mark the third straight season Michigan has lost a guard early to the NBA draft. Manny Harris left following his junior season in 2010 before Darius Morris left after his sophomore year in 2011.
At present, the only other point guard on Michigan's roster -- outside of Burke -- is senior-to-be Eso Akunne, who appeared in just 12 games last season.
Goodman also reported Wednesday that the Wolverines will host Northfield Mount Hermon (Mass.) School point guard Spike Albrecht for a visit on Thursday.
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
Jaxon5
Fri, Apr 6, 2012 : 2 a.m.
From a fan's perspective, here's a commentary on players leaving for the NBA after one year of college ball. " Get out". "Go already." " Don't come back, you weren't part of the program, except to pad your own resume." "Don't let the door hit you on the way out."
Terrin
Fri, Apr 6, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
Other than his family, who cares what he does? It doesn't effect me in the slightest.
Melik Russell
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 10:30 p.m.
It's only a mistake if he fails and makes no money, and since that remains to be seen really no need in chastising someone for following their dreams. I personally think he needs another year of polish, specifically defensively. I'm torn but you just never know , he might light the league up!
Ted Bundy
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
@Nic schweigert Aaron Craft shut everybody down this year...
craigjjs
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
The pervasiveness of "one and done" has really shown that the emperor has no clothes. The "student athlete" has not been the norm in basketball and football for a long time. I hope we can begin to take a hard look at what we have. Do we really want college athletics to be minor leagues for the NFL and NBA with no compensation for players, million dollar coaches, diminishment of academic standards, influential rich alumni and multi-million dollar temples to capitalism? Maybe that is what we want. But, let's be honest and, at least, pay the athletes for their hard work. Who knows, if they are being paid, they might even find it worthwhile to stay around and earn a degree.
michboy40
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 12:18 p.m.
We can call it whatever we want, but the reality is at when a UM basketball player even sniffs the NBA, they are gone! This is happening all ore the country, but it's different at Michigan. The players leaving other schools early will actually be drafted, and will play in the NBA, Morris, Harris, Burke, will not.
a2ta
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.
guess Mr. Hollis was correct......Go Green!
UofMbeBetter
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 4:25 a.m.
So if he leaves, Michigan is pretty much a High School team next year........
Veracity
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 4:58 a.m.
.... not necessarily a High School team with the talent that will be on campus next year, including Hardaway, Jr., Horford, Morgan, McGary, Robinson III, and Stauskas. Beilein must be searching hard for another capable point guard to round out the team. If one is found, Michigan can be really competitive again next year.
mookienation
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 3:58 a.m.
We'll be just fine without him. He's a good player but John Beilein has officially established Michigan as a top destination for 4 and 5 star high school prospects. We'll get plenty of other good players from here on out. Coach just needs to find someone who can run the point, call plays, and distribute the ball effectively. We no longer need a point guard that scores 15-20 points per game. Even if we don't find a point guard, I think we'll be just fine -- probably better than this past season. We'll have a completely different look but it'll still be effective. Just my opinion. And I'm not even convinced Trey isn't coming back.
Veracity
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 4:51 a.m.
I agree with everything that you wrote except your statement that "We no longer need a point guard that scores 15-20 points per game. I can recall a few games that Michigan would have lost if Trey had not scored 15-20 points.
BlueInBama
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.
If he wants to leave, let him. Beilein's ball-hog was overrated anyway. Now, if only Beilein would leave...
cutty240
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 1:27 a.m.
I don't think Trey will leave,but if he does something is going that shouldn't be going on.But when you deal with young kids,anything will and does happen.Jared from The Ohio State,is in for a Big Wake up call.HE CAN'T PLAY IN THE NBA.He maybe able to Ride the bench in the NBA.He minds me of Big Baby Davis.He's making a Big Mistake,he was invisible the 2nd half against KU.
rightmind250
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.
Making a big mistake? Do you have a clue? Big baby davis has already made more than 50 million dollars.
ltjg
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.
@towny - Have you seen what became of the last 2 players to leave this school??? Let's see this year Manny Harris pulled down $788,872, and Darius Morris has to scrape by on 473,604. How long would it take you to make up that kind of earning potential? Probably your entire working career. Please enlighten us on what a mistake this is.
Ted Bundy
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 2:44 p.m.
Im with you. It would take me over a decade to make $788k at my curent salary.
Randy
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
Two perfect examples of why Trey Burke should stay in school. William Avery and Marcus Taylor.
GetRealA2
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
Don't worry about Trey. Check his shoulder. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
towny
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 12:18 a.m.
Big Mistake. This young man needs another year at least maybe 2. He is to young which time will change. But, he is too short this can not be changed. Has this young man seen what became of the last 2 guards that left this school to soon. What a Mistake.
ltjg
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.
Have you seen what became of the last 2 players to leave this school??? Let's see this year Manny Harris pulled down $788,872, and Darius Morris has to scrape by on 473,604. How long would it take you to make up that kind of earning potential? Probably your entire working career. Please enlighten us on what a mistake this is.
Pickforddick
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 11:15 p.m.
Burke is not mature enough mentally to make it in the NBA, he needs to stay in school and develop his brain before trying the NBA. He will fail miserably if he goes now.
Blue Marker
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
Honestly, how do you know how mature Burke is? If a baseball player gets drafted, goes to the minor leagues and develops until he's ready for the Bigs is he a failure? What's the difference?
Nic schweigert
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.
He should stay in school. He got shut down against Ohio state by Aaron craft. You don't think he's going to face that kind of talent against every point guard onthe league? If you don't you're dreaming. Should stay at least another year or like some of the posters said before he will disappear into the d leagues and over seas
FRED
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 10:53 p.m.
Smart for Burke to leave as his soph season may be the same as Tim Jr. Time for Tim Sr. to teach Jr. how to play PG. Big athletic PG is not only good for UM but also for Jr's future NBA career.
chiro19
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 10:30 p.m.
I personally think Burke is not making the right decision but who cares what I think! As for Michigan Basketball, this will effect it about as much as Morris leaving early did, not very much! Burke is getting horrendous advice from someone, most likely the same person who told Morris to go. None the less the mark of a elite program is not just getting guys to play their best but also recruiting the best continuously! Go Blue!!!
Mac
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.
Hope he stays. With Big Dawg III, McGary and Nik Staukas coming in, we have a chance to be a legitamite Final Four contender within 2 years max. Best of luck to him and his family if he leaves.
D21
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
Kinda hard to blame the players who leave early. 1) Coaches being paid millions. 2) Universities making millions (See BCS).
D21
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.
It ain't about the African American angle at all. The point I'm making: Pro Coach = Paid in millions High profile college coach = Paid in millions Your average mid college coach = Paid more than what Coach Bo earned in his last year HS coach = peanuts
chiro19
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 10:42 p.m.
The template has been set by the media that these African American players are being taken advantage of by Rich White executives and Admins! It could not be farther from the truth. First the expenses at U of M for athletics in 2010 was 85.6 million!!! The revenue was up at 94.4 million! This leaves a surplus that the university uses to upgrade facilities and reserves for years with less revenue. Besides all scholarship players do receive reimbursment for their services in the form of education that is free!
D21
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 9:38 p.m.
David Stern on the age limit at ESPN.com" "We would love to add a year, but that's not something that the players' association has been willing to agree to," Stern said Tuesday. The union would only agree to form a committee to discuss changes, and Stern knows the players are unlikely to consent to an increase without some concession from owners. "They would probably say, 'What would you give us?' " he said.
The1Cool
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.
He can have a good career in the NBA if he leaves now and he can also have success if he stays. So many posters assume there's a correlation between NBA success and length of time spent in college. There isn't. Though I feel he will get better if he stays, players do improve in the NBA as well w/o having to focus on classes and while getting paid. I can't blame him if he decides to leave.
burton163
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
Where's the guy that said I had to come on here and "eat crow" when I predicted Trey was as good as gone as soon as the story broke that he was considering the NBA? I know it aint a done deal yet, but i'll say it again...say goodbye to Trey Burke, UM fans. Now I'll wait to see if that know-it-all that said I didn't know what I was talking about will own up and eat some black feathered bird himself...but I doubt it.
edjasbord
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.
Nobody cares about something you said some time ago. I dont doubt that.
Ian Cartwright
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:58 p.m.
"The 5-foot-11 Burke averaged 14.8 points, 4.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game last season for the Wolverines, earning the co-Big Ten Player of the Year award in the process. " Yeah. That last bit never happened.
Nick Baumgardner
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
You're correct, Ian. He was the co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year. The error has been fixed.
Ted Bundy
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
Personally I think a college degree is pretty worthless nowadays. All my bachelors degree in accounting does is collect dust in a box somewhere. If somebody offered me a job freshman year, I would have bolted too. I understand why we all want Burke to stay, but we all want him to stay for our own benefit. Nobody really cares about the kid "improving his draft stock". We just want him to stay to win games. I dont see why its so hard to beleive why Burke wants to get paid to bounce a leather ball around. Wether he plays in the NBA or overseas, hes getting paid to play a sport NOW. I would fish professionally for $40k a year, even though my lifetime earnings would be significantly higher staying in the accounting world.
KeepingItReal
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
What about baseball players who opt for the minor league before going pro. College has become nothing more than a development league for the pros. Let's face it.. Colleague has become a semi-pro sport. It's not about amateur competition any more. I think Burke, if offered and the situation is right would go pro. Allow a "real student" to attend M.
local
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
Heck, I can think of 11 underclassmen better then Burke who will be going pro. 6 Kentucky players, 4 from North Carolina, and Sullinger from OSU. That doesn't even count the many senior players who are more physically mature and NBA ready. This is a terrible choice by this young man.
a2grateful
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
Thank you, Mr. Trey Burke, for attending the University of Michigan. We have enjoyed your contribution to our academic and sport campuses. We wish you the very best of luck in your future, regardless of your pending basketball decisions. We also hope that you continue your academic pursuits, attaining college degree(s). Best to you and your family!
AMaizing_Blue
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.
As a fan, I wish he would stay. As a young man myself, working a 9-5 and a business owner, I would advise him to stay for a few extra years to earn the degree. Either way, best of luck Trey.
Pickforddick
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
He will never make it in the NBA....never.
Blue Marker
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.
Apparently you don't watch much of the NBA. The league is full of players too young but developing.
towny
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 12:14 a.m.
I agree 100%. To short and to young.
fjord
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.
Burke can be an NBA player — someday. But not yet. He needs at least one more year at the college level, and probably two. Given his lack of height, possibly three. What I'm trying to say is that he should stay and complete his degree, because I don't see him being a top-dollar superstar at the pro level. Be smart and give yourself a fallback, Trey.
xmo
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
The questions that no one is asking are: What is wrong with Michigan Basketball? Why are these players leaving early or transferring? Looks like more tough times for Michigan Basketball!
Ted Bundy
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
Uh nothing is wrong with UM bball. Players are leaving early for a shot at their dream of playing bball for MONEY. And players are transferring for more playing time. We thought the world was ending for UM bball last year after Darius Morris left for NBA. UM fans need to chill out.
johnnya2
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
Yeah, Duke, and NC and Kentucky and OSU and MSU are having horrible times with all the players leaving. Must be something wrong with the programs. You have no idea what you are talking about.
newe82
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
Best of luck in the D-League Trey!
HENRYK
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
Well good luck young man, but I do not think he is ready. He can play but not NBA .
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
As a fan, of course I hope he stays. As someone who watched a lot of games, I see a small kid with a lot of promise, but someone who struggled at times. Advice? I think he's more talented than Morris, and the NBA doesn't mind developing talent. But he's a couple of years from being able to contribute in the NBA. I think he'd get drafted and have a chance to play development ball. All this talk about weak point guard classes, maybe true, but that doesn't change the amount of work he needs to do and can get done if he stays here. Then he'll be closer to ready when he does declare and would go higher. In other words, by staying, he takes some risk out of the equation - there's nowhere to go for him but up. Trying to game the system by going with a weaker class is a sign of a lack of confidence in his own ability. Some executives will note that and perhaps stay away. Finally, I find it surprising the NBA and the NCAA haven't agreed on a rule similar to the NFL's about players leaving so early. The NBA doesn't benefit from a watered-down college game. It feeds upon itself. That Burke is even considering leaving college so early means that winning an NCAA championship is meaningless to young basketball players.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
The McGehee example is very different. First, he's a running back, so draft position is absolutely everything. You get your rookie deal, determined by the draft, and you get one big cash deal. Strangely, McGehee is proving incredibly durable in recent years, though I'm sure he'll wind down now. With Burke, I see a raw player who needs experience against solid competition. At this stage, he just needs to run an offense against players as good or better than he is. It doesn't matter when he gets out of the Beilein system. That will be his college experience when he's drafted, whether it's this year, next year, or two years from now. An NBA evaluator still needs to project how he'll develop. If he has confidence in his abilities, that will only increase.
johnnya2
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
That is a stretch to say staying will improve his stock in the NBA. The NBA does NOT have a coach who is playing the Beilein system. College and pro basketball are completely different games. If you think the risk goes down, I suggest you look at two OSU examples. One went pro after his first year and was picked number one. Greg Oden, and another who stayed when he likely would have been the first player chosen last year, Sullinger. If you would like to compare it to football, I suggest taking a look at the case of Willis Macgahee. He blew out a knee and lost MILLIONS based on his draft position alone. The risk to stay is as high as it is to leave.
Feltdaddy
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
This is an absolute Joke. Why are these avg players leaving the program to make a few dollars when they could make more by getting better another yr? We have no PG on the team right now and are loaded in other positions. That is the most important position on the team and Burke is making a bad choice. Thurs Spike Albrecht visits and I have seen him play in HS. Can be good but wont come in and do near of what Burke did and will do. I am so disappointed with him and the program. Just when they were going to turn the corner.... back to reality.
johnnya2
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
"make a few dollars when they could make more by getting better another yr" Or they could blow out a knee and never make ANYTHING. Assuming a player will get better just because he is in college is a logical fallacy. It does not happen in basketball that much. In football where a kid at 18 versus a kid at 21 is a huge physical difference, it is not as important in basketball
Stinger32
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
He was Co-Frosh of the year, not C-POY. That honor went to Draymond. Kid needs to listen to Mr. Hollis
Ted Bundy
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
What advice did this Hollis fella tell Nix after he got out of jail?
Mohawk
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
what is Beilein doing to chase these guys away....players with far higher NBA stock stay -- like Sullinger for example....this turnover is on Beilein...its happening way too often, need a new coach.
johnnya2
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
Mohawk, You have no clue what you are talking about. NO school that is any good anymore keeps people for very long. Name a school that keeps players long term: Ohio State? Not so much. Greg Oden, Evan Turner, Dequan Cook, Michael Conley, or Kosta Koufos North Carolina? Harrison Barnes, Kendall Marshall, and John Henson Duke? Austin Rivers Kentucky? A list that is too long to even begin Name a SUCCESSFUL school that does not have players who leave early. Leaving school early is NOT a bad thing. Bill Gates did it. Steve Jobs did it I guess if you are talented in your field, there is no reason to stay in college, other than to please those who feel a person should be happy with their modest stipend as opposed to possible millions. I would suggest you do not have any right to make a decision for a person you have never met and know NOTHING about. Your jealousy is pathetic. The UM never offered him a FOUR year scholarship. If he sucked, they could say the scholarship is gone (Calipari did it at UK). When the NCAA starts offering four year guaranteed contracts and PAYS the players who bring in the money, then we can have a conversation. Until then, you have no clue what you are talking about.
Mohawk
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
1. Sullinger stayed after his freshman year at OSU, good job Matta 2. Beilien did not win a national championship, was bounced by MAC school. 3. Harris, Morris, Burke....so expect McGary and R3 to leave after one mediocre tournament appearance. 4. We are supposed to be a school high end athletes STAY at for more than 1 year.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
Huh? Sullinger declared for the draft earlier today. I guess when Anthony Davis at Kentucky declares for the NBA in a day or too, that will be on John Calipari, despite winning the national championship too.
eagleman
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
Wow. The man just won a Big Ten Championship and you want a new coach. You know who also has lost talent early to the Big Ten? Tom Izzo, Coach K, Roy Williams, Dean Smith…to name a few.
Ted Bundy
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
If true, good luck Trey. Short term setback for the program, but good sign for long term success with regards to developing talent. Im sure the haters will troll this pretty hard, but its a good first world problem to have. UM fans, dont hate the kid. Cause you're kidding yourself if you're saying "I would stay in school if I were him".
eagleman
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Actually, I would stay in school. Trey Burke is a second round talent at best. He will disappear into the NBDL and European leagues.