Meet Joe Burton

On July 1, Creighton University officially became a member of the Big East conference, and no athletics team on the Hilltop will see a bigger impact than the Creighton men’s basketball program.

It is nearly impossible for a College hoops fan not to be in love with Big East Basketball. The tradition. The colors. The arenas. The athletes.

The athletes.

If there is one thing the Creighton Bluejay basketball program has seemed to lack over the last few years it’s been high-level athletes. However, Creighton’s ethos has never been based around players that might ‘might make your forget the name of Rodney Buford.’ Creighton has found success, and lots of it, without flashy 2’s and 3’s, and while Creighton will continue to recruit to their strengths, there is little debate that the overall quality of athlete will need to be improved.

Enter Joe Burton.

2014 Wing Prospect Joe Burton (Photo courtesy of Future150)

Burton, a 2014 recruit from Porter, Texas, has broken onto the national scene this summer with multiple 30+ point games. It’s not just that Burton scores, its the way he scores. Burton, who can ‘athlete’ with the best of them, has a solid mid-range jumper, is dangerous from behind the three point line, besides finishing at the rim. He is very comfortable finishing with both hands, and is very active on defense.

“I model my game after James Harden,” Burton said in an interview with White and Blue Review. “I am a slasher that can shoot.”

Burton passes the eye test as well, as Jay Bilas would say, and he’s long. At 6’6”, 205 pounds, Burton has the prototypical body for an elite NCAA wing.

“That’s where I see myself playing in College, the wing,” Burton claimed, a position that Creighton is recruiting hard following the re-graduation of Creighton general Grant Gibbs.

Like most high school stars Burton will be looking for the best possible fit for his game.

“I’m looking for a blend of a great coaching staff, and good chemistry with the players and style of play.”

Is Creighton’s fluid, high-tempo offense an appealing aspect for the Burton?

“Yes. I think Creighton and [Coach McDermott] are interested in me because I like getting up and down and playing fast,” Burton said.

Burton said that both Coach McDermott and Creighton’s style of play were the two most interesting aspects about the Jays.

Burton, who has listed offers from Houston, Texas, and “pretty much every other Texas school” will be sorting out his options toward the end of the summer. When pressed on how Creighton’s move the Big East affects how he views the Jays Burton said, “It’s helped but I wouldn’t say that it is a major factor.”