Player Spotlight Article:
Below is a 'player spotlight' article from the October 2008 issue of The Billing Scouting Report. There are two 'player spotlight' articles per issue of The Billing Scouting Report.
To get information on players like the one below for the low, low rate of sixty dollars per year's subscription, subscribe to The Billing Scouting Report toady!
Player Spotlight: Adam Burns
Springfield Kenton Ridge's Adam Burns prepares to rebound during a summer shootout at Wittenberg University last July.
By Bryant Billing
Editor-in-Chief
SPRINGFIELD, OH— Adam Burns is described by some as a "laid-back" guy. Burns doesn't seem to mind that description.
"I've never liked to be at the center of attention," Burns said. "Don't get me wrong, though. I am a people person. I just don't like to hog all of the attention."
"I wouldn't say I'm too laid-back on the court, though," Burns said jokingly. "I'd say 'determined' is a better word."
Funny enough, but that describes how Burns plays on the basketball floor. Except for that whole "laid-back" thing.
Burns, a 6'2 junior forward from Springfield Kenton Ridge, averaged 6.6 points per game last year and 5 rebounds per game.
"It was a pretty good year for my first year as a starter," Burns said. "But that was only the beginning. I still have a lot of time to improve."
"He's like most young players," Kenton Ridge head coach Kris Spriggs said. "They have a lot of talent, but you just have to work with them to make them consistent."
Burns first game as a starter was not a pretty one. Burns had four points and two rebounds in that game on November 29, 2007. Burns didn't let that keep him down, however. He rebounded with a much better performance on December 4, putting up twelve points and grabbing six rebounds.
"We needed somebody to step up in that game," Spriggs said. "Luckily, Adam did that for us. We only won that game by six points, and Burns stepping up definitely sealed the win that night."
Burns went on to post two double-double's and score over ten points six times.
"It was a little difficult coming from the J.V. team one year to a starting role on Varsity the next year," Burns said. "But I did what anyone would do: I adapted."
Kris Spriggs praised his young player, and said he knows brighter days are coming for Burns.
"Burns is a quality forward," Spriggs commented. "He has good moves going to the hoop, and he is an effective rebounder. He's got a good, strong body at 6'2, and he uses it well in the paint."
Burns was also more of a part-time forward last year, as he split his time with fellow Cougar Jordan Armstrong. Now that Armstrong has graduated, Burns looks to be the Cougars go-to guy underneath.
"I learned a lot from Jordan," Burns said. "Now I think I can do it on my own and help my team."
Burns has also progressed more by learning new skills by practicing more over the summer. Burns played for Urbana AAU over the spring and summer, and he has shown signs of progression.
“The biggest thing I’ve done is become more quick,” Burns said. “I’m not only more quick getting back on defense, I’m also more quick in my shot selection, and I’m a lot quicker at bringing down rebounds.”
So, while Burns may have a "laid-back" personality, he certainly isn't a laid back kind of guy on the court.
"I want to win," Burns said. "I give it all I have to do so."
Now that's what I call determined.
Contact the Editor at sfindoh@yahoo.com
bravenet.com