6-foot-6 Brit Burden is going to do something big in and with his life. It may be big in a small way or small in a big way. It may or may not involve basketball.
Burden is but a senior at Piedmont High (near Oakland) and his vistas are wide open, but even more so than the usual someone close to exiting his teens.
Asked what he will major in collegiately, Burden said, "philosophy. Things interest me and thinking more about them helps with life in general."
Another query regarding where he sees himself 20 years after graduation, he offered, "being a difference maker in my community."
A third interesting Burden tidbit involves his sense of gratitude and respect for his Piedmont coach. Burden offered up thanks to Coach Ben Spencer not for 'working on my shot' or 'teaching me how to block out' but "for believing in me since my freshman year."
Yes, Burden is different in some ways. Different endearing. Different in his perspective.
But before it gets buried, Burden is also a talented basketball player. Asked to list his best basketball skills, Burden responded, "I have a high motor and I'm good at crashing the boards. I like to do the little things," what he calls "the small, winning plays." He also just surpassed the 1,000 points mark in his high school tenure.
It's worth noting that he averages 23 points and 12 rebounds a game, per Spencer who added, "Brit has incredible footwork, he's a good passer, a strong basketball IQ because of film study sessions and, being long and quick, he's our best defender."
Asked about leadership, Burden explained, "I see myself as a leader because I'm more experienced. You want good vibes but I've had to toughen up to hold my guys accountable."
He sports a 4.0 grade point average as well as membership on the President's List for high academics, citing "time management as the key to that."
Where does he see himself positioned in college ball? "It depends on the level but it could be a four, a three or a two. I've handled the ball more as a senior."
Regarding recruiting, "I'm wide open. I'll go anywhere."
Honoring Those Helpful Along the Journey
Offering thanks to his parents for "always being there and allowing me to work on this dream of mine," Burden also credited Joell Crawford, found and director of Infinite Training (based in the East Bay and Burden's current AAU team), for "really caring about his players." Orlando Watkins and William Lew, both affiliated long term with Oakland High hoops were acknowledged for "getting me started on the right track early on in AAU ball."
Burden has the chance of being one of those talents who was undervalued in high school due to being a late bloomer. He could be a solid contributor say by his sophomore season once he finds what is his position at the four-year level.
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