Sophomore Alec Burks dunks the ball against Texas-Pan American on Nov. 30, 2010. Burks declared his intention to enter the NBA draft today in a press conference at the Dal Ward Athletic Center. (CU Independent file/Phil McMichael)
The 6-foot-6 Missouri native announced his plans to enter the NBA on Thursday during a news conference in the Varsity Room of CU’s Dal Ward Athletic Center.
Burks said he actually came to his decision early on Thursday.
“It’s just something I couldn’t pass off,” 19-year-old Burks said. “Before yesterday, I was coming back. But after the meetings yesterday, talking to my mom, talking to my coach, I feel like the best decision for my future is to go to the NBA.”
Head coach Tad Boyle supported the teenager’s jump to the top basketball league in the world, and sitting next to Burks, Boyle seemed equally enthused by the announcement.
“He’s had an unbelievable two years here at Colorado,” Boyle said. “Our job is to support him, and guide him and help be there for him for whatever he may need.”
Departing senior Levi Knutson said his teammate arrived at the decision that was best for him.
“I’ll always remember playing, having two good years with him here, being his teammate,” Knutson said. “He’s a fun guy to play with. I’m looking forward to seeing him excel in the NBA.”
Burks departs the CU Buffaloes as the the record holder of freshman and sophomore scoring records, with 512 and 779 points respectively. He finished his final season as a Buffalo averaging 20.5 points.
“It’s a long time coming,” Burks said. “It’s a great day.”
He is the eighth CU athlete to declare early for a pro draft, and the third CU basketball player to do so, joining Chauncey Billups and David Harrison.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Esteban L. Hernandez at Esteban.hernandez@colorado.edu.
