Burke's play against NIU

[denverMU]

Just watched a replay of the first half of the NIU game and Burke did a great job guarding their 7 footer.  He did not get stuck behind him and kept fronting exactly like Buzz has wanted him.  I don't care if he scores if he plays D like that all year I'll be happy.

[Big Papi]

He needs to be a little more aggressive on the offensive end.  He made some good moves down low and did everything right except when it came to actually turning and shooting the ball.  This is a game where he could have scored some easy buckets.  We will need some production down low by someone during the season much like what Burke provided at UW.  I don't expect to put up lots of points but he should be getting 5-6 a game.  He doesn't have any confidence.

[JSwarriors08]

I agree with both of you.  He definitely missed some opportunities to score down low.  I was encouraged however, as he had some really nice boards last night.  He seemed a little more comfortable.  The fouls he made were still a little unnecessary (e.g. loose ball fouls that he had little business going after), but overall I have to say last night was a step in the right direction for DB.  I like the guy and hope he continues to improve.

[chapman]

McIlvaine was on Burke's case pretty hard last night.  Pretty much him just not being agressive when he had opportunities to score that didn't even have to create himself. 

[nyg]

I am sure Burke is a nice guy, but he's taken 4 shots in 5 games. I don't think I have ever seen a starting center take that minimum amount of field goal attempts. 

[MUSF]

I am sure Burke is a nice guy, but he's taken 4 shots in 5 games. I don't think I have ever seen a starting center take that minimum amount of field goal attempts. 

I don't think I have ever seen a guy who is 6'7 with role player skills being asked to start at the 5 spot for a top 15 team.  I don't think it's as much Burke under performing as it is Burke playing out of position and out of role.  Burke's offensive ability is pretty much limited to dump offs from double teams and put backs.  Crean used to have Burke and Barro find open space along the base line for the dump off and crash the boards for put backs.  It appears that Buzz is attempting to use them in a more traditional back to the basket roll.  Burke has obviously had a difficult time adjusting thus far.

[nyg]

Now through six games, he's taken 5 total shots, has 4 total offensive rebounds and 21 fouls. Stats and numbers don't lie.  Wait till Thabeet, Haragody and others come, you think Dayton was ugly.  Without any type of production, not just points, from center position, it will be long year.