Texas Tech basketball: What to expect from new transfer Jamarius Burton

Burton’s style of play may remind Tech fans of Keenan Evans

When you look at Burton’s physique and the way he carries himself, it’s easy to see former Red Raider Toddrick Gotcher, who played at the exact same height and weight as Burton.  However, Burton’s game more closely resembles that of Keenan Evans.

Like Evans did when at Tech, Burton always seems to be headed downhill when he has the ball in his hands.  There is little in the way of wasted dribbling or movement,  He doesn’t dance around or try to put on ball-handling exhibitions.

Rather, he wants to get to the bucket as quickly as possible and when he gets there, he finishes or draws contact much more effectively than any player on the 2019-20 Texas Tech basketball roster.  His sturdy frame allows him to absorb contact and still get the ball on goal, which leads to numerous and-one opportunities.

What’s more, his outside shot also looks like Evans’ shot did.  Both players have a biy of a hitch in their jumper and neither is especially quick when pulling the trigger.  Likewise, both pull the ball back towards their head and shoot from the middle of their field of vision more than what a shooting coach would prefer but that doesn’t mean they are poor shooters.

When Evans was a sophomore, he averaged 8.7 points and 2.9 rebounds and assists per game in 25 minutes per contest.  Those numbers are similar to but slightly lower than what Burton managed this past season as a sophomore, though the came in a more demanding conference.  It’s tough to say that any player is going to become the next Keenan Evans, that’s a lofty bar to reach, but when one watches Burton in action, it’s not difficult to envision him filling the same role for the Red Raiders.