Recruiting Report: Malique Burton (2017)
Due to a transferring regulation Malique Burton (2017) was not able to play his entire junior season upon changing from Cleveland St. Ignatius to Holy Name. The reality of that situation only meant one thing to Burton, no days off in…
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Continue ReadingDue to a transferring regulation Malique Burton (2017) was not able to play his entire junior season upon changing from Cleveland St. Ignatius to Holy Name. The reality of that situation only meant one thing to Burton, no days off in preparation for his senior campaign.
“When I was informed that I couldn’t play any more, I just went to the gym every single day. I was on the treadmill every single day. I was lifting weights every single day,” Burton said.
The unfortunate side is obvious, however.
“It definitely has [hurt my recruitment]. But I know if I just go out there and play as hard as I can with these last few senior games, I know I’ll be fine. But I do know, even from talking to coaches that coach me they do tell me that the junior year was something that was big. But I can still get it done this year too.”
But, Burton’s value as a prospect is undeniable. Being a 6’10” center that resembles an offensive guard, he’s going to command eyes.
“Well I’m really talking to a D-III, Westminster,” Burton said. He later expanding on the relationship, saying that he would be welcomed onto their roster next season. However, Burton views Westminster as a back-up plan, and would rather walk-on to a higher level program.
“I’ve talked to [Cleveland State University]. I just had UNC-Charlotte come see me when we played at Mars High School from Pennsylvania. Talked to the coaches at Ashland, went down there for a camp.”
“I’ve been talking to a lot of coaches, but I haven’t been getting that deep recruitment talk. Just more of, ‘We like you’ kind of talk,” Burton said.
Burton, a 3.4 GPA student, plans on taking a few visits after the season to facilitate his decision.
Anyone colleges looking for a 6'9 290lb center w great hands and feet? Soft touch, high GPA, HIGH CHARACTER…Malique Burton Holy Name HS https://t.co/ehOeAGOC5y
— URBAN GR1ND BASKETBALL (@URBANGR1NDBBALL) January 9, 2017
Running alongside the #1 player in Ohio’s 2018 class, Dwayne Cohill, the offense doesn’t run through Burton. With post moves and a nice touch, he has scoring capabilities, but he’s not asked to average 20 points for the Green Wave.
“My best skills come with my back to the basket. I have a lot of different post moves I learned from my coaches, and I definitely use them. I have a soft touch. I can hit my free throws. And I can knock down some free throw shots,” Burton said, when asked to describe his skill set.
Burton does not travel out to the three-point line on offense. On defense, it’s also a weakness
“Going from guarding a bigger guy to a smaller guy, I’m supposed to stay back and contest shots. So I don’t really get to show full up in the chest defense. But I can guard,” Burton said.
To become a more complete player, Burton would also like to become more vocal on the defensive end.
With a total of zero offers, Burton would likely reciprocate the interest if a Division II school offered within the next months. He’s an ever-improving prospect, intelligent, and high character guy. Burton does have experience against taller players, and would likely be an effective scorer at the college level.
His next game comes against Rocky River on Friday at home.