The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/362774
MICHIGAN IN THE PROS leading 5.7 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 70 games (68 starts) during his rookie campaign. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team after being selected Western Conference Rookie of the Month three times (December, January and April), becoming the first Jazz player to win multiple rookie of the month awards. He was a crucial part of the 12-man group that prepped the U.S. National Team during its Las Vegas training camp July 28-31. It was the latest thrill in a budding career. "There were moments like that last season as well, playing against some of the top guys in the NBA, being able to play my game, score on them and stop them, as well," Burke said. "Obviously, I know I have a lot of room for improvement in my game, but that's a good start for me. "A lot of the guys that are on the national team started out as Select Team guys, and one of the best players in the world, Kevin Durant, played on the Select Team, so I definitely think that's a starting point for guys that want to play on the USA team." Burke joined former Michigan star Tim Hardaway Jr. and 10 others on the squad. "It's a confidence booster for all the guys that got to play on the select team, I know I got a lot out of the whole thing," Burke added. "You're playing against the All-Stars in the league, and that helps you out an awful lot. It's a great experience. And [Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski], the first thing he told us is that we weren't trying out for the actual team, but we're here to compete. "It's an eye-opener, too, because it lets me know the type of work I need to put in to get to that level. There were times where I kind of didn't play as confident as I know I can, and then there were times when I was out there playing like it was another practice. Once I get to the point where every time I'm on the court I'm playing the way I know how to play and playing like myself — that's when I know I'll have taken the next step." Hardaway, meanwhile, was also honored to be chosen for the team. He kept a diary for The New York Post and documented his own journey in Las Vegas. Point guard Trey Burke was a crucial part of the 12-man USA Basketball Select Team that prepped the U.S. National Team during its Las Vegas training camp July 28-31. PHOTO COURTESY UTAH JAZZ