Marshall University Athletics
MCGILL: With degree in hand and lessons in mind, Burks begins pro journey
5/13/2019 2:37:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Big Green Scholarship Foundation, Word on the Herd
Former Marshall men's basketball player is working out in Miami
By Chuck McGill
HerdZone.com
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – C.J. Burks departed the Mountain State on Monday bound for Miami, where he will train for two weeks in preparation for the NBA Draft and the professional basketball career that awaits.
First, though, Burks had two items to check off his list before that journey began.
On Friday afternoon, the fifth-leading scorer in the history of the Marshall University men's basketball program sat behind a table in the campus bookstore and signed autographs and took photos with fans. Burks, flanked by his family and agent, signed basketballs and posters, shared handshakes and hugs, and held a friend's baby for a few minutes.
Then, on Saturday, Burks put on his cap and gown and received his degree. Burks' agent, Sean Couch of MPower Sports Group, said the Martinsburg native insisted he finish the semester and be present for the graduation ceremony before leaving for trips, training and workouts.
"I've received a lot of love from Herd fans, so I wanted to connect with the fans one more time before I left on my journey to a pro career," Burks said. "I couldn't do the basketball part until my education was finished. Basketball is life, but college and education means the most. That's what I'm going to fall back on. I had to do that before I did anything else.
"Receiving my degree is a dream come true. I feel good that I was able to accomplish this and get a degree. It will help me when the ball stops rolling."
The degree will come in handy, Burks said. He wants to open his own business someday, and he has interest in biomechanics. First, however, Burks will pursue a career in the NBA. Three teams have already expressed an interest.
And why wouldn't they?
Burks finished his collegiate career with 1,892 points in 130 games – 14.6 per game in his career. As a junior and senior, he averaged 18.8 points per game. He ranks No. 5 on the Herd's all-time scoring list, and also finished in the top 10 for field goals made (706, seventh), field goals attempted (1,495, seventh), 3-pointers made (215, sixth), 3-pointers attempted (599, sixth) and steals (153, seventh). He is also No. 13 in Marshall history in assists with 334. His career point total ranks No. 11 in Conference USA history.
The numbers and individual production are there, and Burks was part of an unprecedented run of success for the men's basketball program. In those 72 games the last two seasons, the Thundering Herd won 48 times. Burks was key to Marshall's first Conference USA championship, first NCAA tournament bid in 31 seasons and first NCAA tournament win. His steal-and-dunk with two minutes left of Marshall's upset of Wichita State – a 13 seed breaking brackets by ousting a 4 seed – is one of the most memorable moments.
But, as Burks sat behind the chair in the bookstore Friday afternoon, he spent more time talking about his growth as a person during his time in Huntington. He was rough around the edges when he arrived on campus. He needed to become a better student. He needed to mature on and off the court.
He took lessons from his coaching staff on his body language. He became more meticulous in his daily habits.
He looks people in the eyes when he speaks to them. He gives a firm handshake. He has manners passed down to him by his loving and supportive parents, who were there with him in the bookstore.
"Every day you're building a resume," Burks said. "You have to carry yourself a certain way; you have to approach life with a certain mindset. You have to be a great person. Be polite to other people. Be kind to other people. Do the little things and show people that you care about them. You have to do the little things that shows what type of person you are."
Chuck McGill is the Assistant Athletic Director for Fan/Donor Engagement and Communications at Marshall University and a seven-time winner of the National Sports Media Association West Virginia Sportswriter of the Year award. In addition to HerdZone.com's Word on the Herd, McGill is the editor of Thundering Herd Illustrated, Marshall's official athletics publication. Follow him on Twitter (@chuckmcgill) and Instagram (wordontheherd).
