Vicky Graff Photo
It was a win over Illinois State that will not resonate on NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday but it was a win that might have been a terrific indicator for why Kentucky could have a much better March this season.
Freshman Jordan Burks played well early in the season but his playing time went to Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso got healthy enough to finally play.
But against Illinois State another opportunity arose for Burks because Adou Thiero was hurt. Burks came off the bench to go 2-for-2 from the field with two locks and one rebound in his 11 minutes.
Kentucky coach John Calipari certainly liked what he saw because he mentioned Burks five times after the game in his press conference.
“I thought Jordan went in and mixed it up and did some good stuff,” Calipari said. “His first real opportunity to play (in a while), really proud of him.”
Calipari obviously was happy that with Thiero out with a back injury, it did not impact UK’s playing rotation or style of play.
“Without Adou it shows, he gives you a toughness. But I thought Jordan did some of that today,” Calipari said.
Nothing Burks does surprises freshman teammate Rob Dillingham, who also played in Overtime Elite last year like Burks did when he led the league in scoring at about 29 points per game.
“It’s definitely rewarding because I come to practice every day and he’s working hard,” Dillingham said about Burks’ performance. “He finally got his chance a little bit. I’m just happy to see him, someone else succeeding.
“That was a big moment for him and I feel like it’s just the start, honestly. If he gets more confidence and Coach becomes more confident in him, he can really make some big plays for us.”
Dillingham knows that to have a player like Burks as UK’s No. 9 player is a rare luxury.
“That’s what I’m saying. I mean, he averaged 29 in the OTE league. If that’s our ninth option then…,” Dillingham said.
Burks being able to fill a role allowed Calipari to move Tre Mitchell back inside against Illinois State when Bradshaw and Onyenso were not rebounding the way he wanted because Burks could play at the 4 along with Justin Edwards.
“In transition, open shots, attacking the basket, you just watch. (Justin) just needs some more time,” Calipari added. “It is like Jordan. Jordan did good today, he just needs more time.”
The Kentucky coach has encouraged Burks to stay optimistic knowing he will get his chance.
“I said, ‘Stay with it, man. You’re going to get a chance and you’re going to bust through,’” Calipari said.
And knowing Burks continues to show he can do that gives UK the depth it has lacked in recent years at tourney time and gives Calipari a lot more options if needed in any game.
4 Responses
Burks has certainly hustled and played hard. He fits in well. Wonder if his
playing time will be affected if the miserable NCAA finally starts doing their
job and makes a positive ruling on the eligibility of Big Z.
It is a monumental shame they haven’t done something yet. And no excuse for
not doing someting. And l share the sentiment with those who say if he was at
a school that competed against UK the issue would have been settled and he
would be playing.
I thought for sure that once Emmert was gone something like this wouldn’t
occur. Again. But l was wrong. Maybe he still has some influence with the
committee and they remember Enes Kanter. They have really dropped the
ball and handled this situation badly. Wish they would just do the right thing.
Maybe I’m asking too much.
The F’ing hoosiers at the NCAA all hate Kentucky and they are never going to give us a break that could make us better. Many at this "governing body" are still pissed that we didn’t get the death penalty in the Chris Mills case, even though it was actually a frame job perpetrated by a UCLA fanatic. I am really surprised that Z came back, but he doesn’t know our history with the NCAA. Maybe him being here will help him in the draft.
With Z not being cleared to play, Burkes will have a chance to play very limited minutes unless foul trouble or injury comes into play. He can help us in that role and that will be a plus for him and the team next year.
Barry,
Your comment was very interesting. I have been saying for years that UCLA boosters
were behind the Chris Mills incident. You are about the only person who has come to
the same conclusion. I have read, and seen, lots of evidence to prove what l believe.
Thank you.
Emory Air Freight is not owned by UCLA, but an executive that I know is a U of L booster. Wink, wink. Burkes should transfer back to Ole Miss. Especially since he averaged 29 in OTE. Kinda reminds me of the Brice Hopkins that transferred to Providence who’s mock draft is way higher than any other UK guy. Why? Probably b/c he’s working on his 3rd season. He’s a Junior. That’s some good "stuff"😁