6-9 Jordan Burks can be Offensive Mismatch with his Versatile Skills

Overtime Elite Photo

When Jordan Burks commits to Kentucky today, coach John Calipari is going to be adding a player the Cats need for depth on next year’s roster but also a player who can help UK’s interior offense.

The 6-9 Burks led Overtime Elite in scoring last season at 27.1 points per game and Hillcrest Prep (Ariz.) coach Nick Weaver says that was no fluke against the high level talent he faced.

“On the offensive end, he is a mismatch nightmare for 4’s and 5’s. He can guard a 5 because he is super long with a 7-foot wingspan and great hands. They can’t guard him on offense but he can guard them,” Weaver said. “When 5’s switch on him, they are too slow and he can pick and pop. When 4’s are on him, they can’t stay in front of him because he’s super athletic.

“He scores a lot from 3 because 4’s and 5’s will not come out there and guard him knowing he can go by them. But Jordan is a guy that doesn’t need the ball to score.”

He won’t be Oscar Tshiebwe on the offensive boards, but he uses his strength and athleticism to beat defenders to the offensive board.

“He will be in lane and you look up and he got a tip dunk because he’s super long and can do that stuff. He’s also just a little quicker than most other guys,” Weaver said. “He’s also an intense competitor. He’s very competitive. He plays super hard.”

Kentucky has four McDonald’s All-Americans joining the 2023-24 team but Weaver says not to worry about Burks not fitting in.

“He will grind and get better and fit in the locker room. He’s a pit bull and is tough as nails. He’s not a guy that will just fall in line. He will go out and lead. To me, bringing a kid like him makes a lot of sense at Kentucky if they can do it,” Weaver said.