Former Ute center Chris Burgess is looking at his draft camp tryouts as his senior season.
After all, Burgess went down midway through the 2001-02 season with a torn plantar fascia ligament in his right foot and he never returned. At the time of injury, he led the Utes in points (13.2) and rebounds (7.2).
“I try to do my best every time I’m out there, because every day, someone else new might be watching,” Burgess said.
The 6-foot-10 Burgess held his own recently at the Portsmouth Invitational in Portsmouth, Va., a tournament for 60 college seniors. Burgess ranked second in rebounding, with 11 boards per game. The tourney included other MWC talent, namely Wyoming’s Josh Davis and San Diego State’s Randy Holcomb.
Burgess is now working on his strength and health with a personal trainer at the IMG Academy in Florida with a conglomerate of NBA hopefuls, including Indiana’s Jared Jeffries and Fresno State’s Melvin Ely.
Burgess’s next stop is hopefully the pre-NBA draft camp from June 1 through 5 in Chicago. The top 60 prospects go to the camp, but by invitation only. Burgess has his agent trying to get him to the camp.
“I’m not worrying too bad [about getting in],” he said.
Burgess said he’s gotten an assist from U coach Rick Majerus.
“He’s been unbelievable?he got me into Portsmouth, and he’s called maybe 25 to 29 teams, telling them my health is really good.
“[Majerus] thinks I can play at the next level. He’s giving me the opportunity?now I’ve got to deliver,” Burgess said.
Ideally, Burgess said he would like to play for the Utah Jazz or either Los Angeles franchise?the Lakers or the Clippers?as his hometown is in Irvine, Calif. However, given his center position, Burgess said he is most suited for either the Milwaukee Bucks or Indiana Pacers.