Jordan Burks credits UCF's staff for his breakout season and hints at a potential return. His standout March Madness performance fuels optimism for the Knights' future.
Junior forward Jordan Burks took a huge leap in his first year with UCF, serving as the Knights' third leading scorer and averaging 13.3 points per game on 37.3% shooting from 3-point range.
Burks joined the Knights after a limited season at Georgetown, where he averaged less than six points and started just 11 games.
Following UCF's 75-71 loss against UCLA in the first round of March Madness, Burks talked about how crucial head coach Johnny Dawkins and the rest of the staff was to helping him breakout.
"The whole staff, Coach Dawkins, they pour into you," Burks said. "Like off the court, on the court, it doesn't really matter. They molded me into a a nice young man. I feel like they gave me a chance and I just took the opportunity and capitalized as much as I possibly could."
Burks went on to compliment his teammates for giving him the confidence he needed to take such a big leap.
"My teammates, helping me with my confidence, just everything," Burks said. "The program and the coaching staff is terrific. I'm blessed, thankful for sure."
Burks is one of the few players on this year's team with remaining eligibility, so securing his return would be huge for Dawkins and his staff. Although Burks' early remarks seem to point towards a possible reunion, he says he needs a bit more time to think things through.
"“I'm just thinking about the loss and that we didn't capitalize," Burks said. "So I'm really thinking about that right now.”
Despite the loss, Burks showed out, scoring a game-high 22 points while making six 3-pointers. Burks was huge in keeping UCF within striking distance, knocking down timely long balls and shooting over 50% from the field (8-15).
This performance marked Burks' fifth time eclipsing 20 points this season, doing so against some of UCF's toughest opponents.
In late February, the Knights exploded offensively, knocking off then-ranked No. 19 Brigham Young University 97-84.
Burks led the way, scoring 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, while adding two steals and a block. Burks was extremely efficient all night, knocking down four 3-pointers and seeking high-quality looks.
Getting Burks back for next season would be a huge get for a UCF program that made March Madness despite returning 0% of its scoring production last season.
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