The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/197085
Ba ketball Preview 2013-14 A Fun Finish Senior Forward Kody Burke Is Determined To Enjoy Her Final Season With The Wolfpack N By Brian Rapp C State women's basketball forward Kody Burke has a lot to look forward to the next five months. The 6-2 senior enters her final season on Kay Yow Court with 164 career blocked shots, just 40 away from supplanting former Wolfpack All-American Genia Beasley as the most prolific shot eraser in school history — a goal she should easily achieve since she is the only Pack player ever to average 50 or more blocks a season for three consecutive years. Her 623 career rebounds already rank her 15th all time, and another 113 will put her in the top 10, one more then Umeki Webb (735 from 1993-97). Burke has averaged 208 boards a season, including a career-best 244 for the 2012‑13 campaign. She's coming off the best season of her three-year career in Raleigh with career highs in scoring (452 points, a team-leading 13.3 per game), rebounding (244, 7.2 per game), shooting percentage (.464, 186 of 401), assists (42) and minutes per game (29.6). And with 99 games to date behind her, Burke begins her finale as a Pack player just 34 games behind the current career leader for appearances, former teammate Marissa Kastanek, who established the mark of 133 last year. But when asked what was the single greatest attraction of the upcoming season that she was looking forward to, the Northridge, Calif., native replied, "Just to have fun." That answer might seem odd coming from someone who's spent most of her time outside a classroom (where, by the way, she's a three-time Academic All-ACC and two-time Academic All-American selection) playing a game. But for Burke, the "fun" minutes have been few and far between because, for most of her basketball playing career, nothing but absolute perfection has equaled fun. "Kody puts a lot of pressure on herself," said new Pack head coach Wes Moore, when asked his initial impressions of his most experienced returning player. "She worries about things too much. She needs to realize it's a game and you have to have fun. "We let the players play some pickup in our first practices, and she really didn't look like she was having any fun out there. That stands out. She needs to work on that because that attitude is contagious, especially when you're in a leadership position — your body language can affect a lot of people. That's something we're working on." "I'm still a perfectionist by nature," Burke admitted during a break in practices while NC State prepared for its season opener Nov. 8 against St. Bonaventure. "But I feel I'm more accepting now. I think it's hitting me that this is my senior year, and I can't always have complete control of what happens. I just want to give it my all, and whatever happens, happens." Burke is coming off her best season with the Wolfpack, having posted career highs in scoring (a teamleading 13.3 points a game), rebounding (7.2 an outing), shooting percentage (.464, 186 of 401) and minutes per game (29.6) in 2012-13. photo by ken martin 72 ■ the wolfpacker 72-74.Kody Burke.indd 72 10/22/13 2:03 PM