Recruiting Report: John Burnham (2017)
For the Toledo St. Francis Knights program, John Burnham (2017) has been a consistent figure over the past four seasons, a timespan where they have gone from mediocre to #5 in the latest Division I state rankings. “Freshman year it just started…
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Continue ReadingFor the Toledo St. Francis Knights program, John Burnham (2017) has been a consistent figure over the past four seasons, a timespan where they have gone from mediocre to #5 in the latest Division I state rankings.
“Freshman year it just started with small things, maybe staying after 15 minutes to half hour getting shots up. Sophomore year, it’s kind of like okay, now you got to get some other guys to stay after … Now, it’s basically that once practice is done, we have half an hour of the whole team,” Burnham said.
The 6’6” wing/forward’s work ethic has paid off with team success and attention from colleges. Burnham told PHO that he received his first scholarship offer two days ago from Tiffin University, a Division II school.
Burnham spoke about receiving the news from Knights Head Coach, Travis Lewis.
“One of those moments that you just dream of. I could tell that Coach Lewis, it was a day he’d dreamed of, to get one of his players an offer. He’s the reason why all of us here, and without him we wouldn’t have half of the success.”
Burnham is also receiving interest from Wittenberg, Heidelberg, Wabash, Marietta, Wayne State, Bluffton, Trine, and the University of Chicago.
He added, “Marietta is a very big recruiter. I get stuff daily from them.”
Burnham is foremost a shooting specialist, with range stretching a few steps beyond the arch. He’s one of those shooters that strokes it the same exact way whether he’s in the midrange or from 25 feet — great mechanics.
On an undersized team, he’s also asked to use his size around the basket.
“My role as rebounder on the team has really been emphasized by Coach Lewis and the coaches … A lot of guys can shoot, but not a lot of guys can shoot and also rebound, so I think that really sets me apart,” Burnham said.
Burnham, who hasn’t played primarily in the post since junior high, appeared comfortable with his back to the basket on Tuesday night. Overall, he’s a versatile scorer.
Burnham said that he’s hoping to continue improving on his midrange pull-up jumpers, post game, and defense.
It’s apparent that Burnham is focused on the present; meaning, it’s unlikely he will make a college decision until the season is over.