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Nebraska Basketball: Don’t forget about Dachon Burke Jr.

By Danny Jaillet

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Dachon Burke Jr. #11 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks to pass the ball while being guarded by Nojel Eastern #20 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Mackey Arena on February 09, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Dachon Burke Jr. #11 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks to pass the ball while being guarded by Nojel Eastern #20 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Mackey Arena on February 09, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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He could be a key contributor to Nebraska Basketball in 2019-20.

There is no doubt that this Nebraska Basketball regime is a new one. For everyone involved, this is going to be a growing process, one that may not always happen so seamlessly. Even still, the players seem excited about Fred Hoiberg. With Hoiberg’s stellar resume in both the professional and collegiate ranks, Nebraska Basketball should be in good hands for years to come.

It seems like the players are realizing that as well. I could understand some timidity in regards to the new coaching hire.  Junior guard Dachon Burke seems to be very open to learning from a man dubbed “The Mayor.” After all, the latter’s head coaching resume is quite impressive. Hopefully, he can translate his accolades and talent to Lincoln.

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To his credit, Burke is looking forward to building off what was a great 2017-18 season. He averaged 17.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Playing in 33 contest, he shot 45.9% from the field.

Hopefully, he can regain his old form after what was a lost 2018-19 season. Just from a skills standpoint, he should be a very important player on the roster. He can bring a lot to the table, and he also is not afraid to take control of the game. If he can be healthy for 2019-20, that would be huge for the program.

His season-high in points for 2017-18 was 29. He accomplished the number against LIU on February 10. In what was a 96-82 win for the Nebraska Basketball program, Burke was a huge part of the success. Playing in 35 minutes, he went 11-of-16 from the field, shooting an impressive 68.8%. He went three-of-four from of the three-point line and four-of-eight from the free-throw line. He certainly gave Nebraska basketball fans something to be excited about for the future.

Burke seems to be excited about his own future under the new head coach. Quite honestly, I would be as well. Hoiberg seems like the type of coach I would want to play for.

"“It’s different. It’s real different. A guy coming from the NBA, I respect it. He has that on his resume, NBA coach,” junior guard Dachon Burke said. “So I’m just open to learn and get my IQ better for the game because everything he’s teaching is for a reason, whether he’s slowing the game down, if he wants us to go up and down the floor. He’s been there before, so I’m just open.”"

I love how receptive Burke is still learning. That will certainly make him a coaches favorite in no time. It will also come in handy for tough road conference games in February and March. Those are the times when players need to step up their level of play the most. I can’t wait to see it all unfold.

Dachon Burke is undoubtedly an explosive basketball player. He could be the spark that a rebuilding program needs. However, I don’t think they will be rebuilding too much longer. This program seems to be headed in the right direction. That is a great sign for things moving forward.

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