MILWAUKEE -- One player who has continued to impress this week for the Houston Defenders at the Under Armour Summer Jam but is flying slightly under the radar is ESPN 100 small forward/shooting guard Joe Burton (Porter, Texas/Atascocita).
Burton’s knack for scoring makes him a dependable option on the offensive end and has some excellent high-major programs in hot pursuit. He list offers from Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Houston, Texas A&M, Boise State, Oklahoma, Oregon State and UTEP.
The nation’s No. 98-ranked player in the 2014 class is a strong and sneaky athletic wing who goes about 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds. He will finish above the rim with power on the break and can score from all over the floor in a variety of ways.
"I am best at scoring,” Burton said. “I can make plays and score inside and out.”
Burton is aggressive and is looking to attack on every catch. He sprints the outside lane on the break and will either spot up for a 3-pointer or attack the rim with enough strength to score through contact. He drains the open 3 off the catch or rhythm dribble and can knock down mid-range pull-ups and floaters when he gets deep in the lane to avoid a charging foul.
He can also score in the post when he has a size advantage, as his post moves are strong, fluid and plentiful.
Defensively, Burton is capable of guarding both wings positions because of his size, athletic ability and the way he competes.
Burton displayed his full scoring arsenal during the first three days of the UA Summer Jam, and his knack for scoring and being consistently productive has taken his game to the next level.