The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/197085
Ba ketball Preview 2013-14 Along with her teammates, Burke is facing a major transition this season, adjusting to a new coaching staff and a new system of playing after being recruited out of Northridge Notre Dame High School four years ago by former Pack head coach Kellie Harper. "The biggest difference we've seen so far is that we are expected to be a lot more disciplined," Burke said. "There's no room for error — if you mess up, fall behind in a drill, or even show a negative attitude, you're either running or sitting down. "Kellie was a little more lenient — I don't know if that was just her nature or if that's typical of all female coaches [Harper has been Burke's only female coach during her high school and AAU career]. I think we need a little more discipline — we know he [Moore] is a winning coach, and if we follow his system, good things will happen." Coming out of high school, where she played center because she was the tallest on her team, Burke has spent most of the last three years learning the physical aspect of playing the forward, or "four" position, in NC State's offensive scheme — though she still considers herself more a "finesse" player than a physical inside banger. "I have become more physical here since that's the nature of play in the ACC," she said. "But I'm more comfortable facing up, using my quickness and my jump shot against an opponent." That's one reason Burke is anticipating having more "fun" this season. "In Coach Moore's system, we're going to be feeding the ball more inside to [senior center] Markeisha [Gatling], so that takes some pressure off of me. I'm going to be outside a lot more this year. I'll have to exhibit my perimeter skills a lot more. It will be crucial Burke enters her final campaign 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. photo by ken martin Both Moore and West have also mentioned the possibility of playing Burke some minutes in the post, though she hasn't been "on the block" since her prep days. "What's good about the way Coach Moore's system works is I post up near the foul line, so it gives me more of a chance to use my quickness to go around someone," Burke noted. "Kellie always wanted 'two feet in the paint,' but at 6-2, there's not much I can do down low against bigger people. Now, I have more room for movement." Burke also is aware that, as the team's most experienced returning player, she'll be "Kody puts a lot of pressure on herself. She worries about things too much. She needs to realize it's a game and you have to have fun." ■ Head coach Wes Moore for me to limit turnovers, look for Markeisha in the post and work on my ball handling, pull-up jump shot and set jump shot." Pack associate head coach Nikki West, who will work primarily with NC State's posts and forwards, is excited about Burke's potential for a strong finish to an already stellar career. "Being a finesse player as a 'four' in our system is just fine," she said. "Right now, Kody just needs to focus on extending her range. If people double Markeisha in the post, she has to be able to knock down a three on a kick-out. And she's committed to doing that." counted on for a leadership role that has been handled by other teammates in years past. "I'm excited about that," she said. "That I'll have to display leadership under a new coach means I'll have to step up even more. I want to be a leader — we have a lot of new people this year, and they'll be looking at me to lead by example." That should be no problem, according to West. "She brings it every day on the court, so it's easy to see she's a leader, and the players accept her because she is performing," West said. "She's not over-the-top vocal, but she's very encouraging — when things aren't go- ing right for someone, she walks over to that person, gives them a pat on the back, tells them to keep their head up — the little things you expect from a leader." A successful finale to her career won't be measured by stats, or all-conference recognition, Burke said — though she does have a specific goal she hopes to reach. "I just want to experience playing in an NCAA Tournament," she admitted. "And being in the top half of the ACC, especially this season, with 15 teams and now Notre Dame in the conference — that would be an honor. "I still want to be a rebounding threat [a priority that her coaches also want her to focus on], but even if my scoring numbers drop, I just want to fulfill my role to the best of my ability and trust in Coach Moore's system." On track to graduate next May with a degree in finance, Burke is looking forward to a possible pro career — and eventually some type of sports-related business venture. More immediately, she admitted to circling a few games on the schedule. "My mom has never seen me play in college, and she will for the first time [when NC State travels to San Diego for the San Diego Surf n' Slam tournament Dec. 28‑30]. I'm excited to play Duke at Cameron [Indoor Stadium] one last time, going to Pitt — even though it's going to be cold — and our Senior Night game since we're playing Notre Dame." And through it all, NC State's admitted own worst critic and perfectionist promises to have fun. ■ 74 ■ the wolfpacker 72-74.Kody Burke.indd 74 10/22/13 2:03 PM