University of Minnesota Athletics
The Bigger Picture; Junior Guard Kevin Burleson
2/27/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Junior guard Kevin Burleson is a prime example of someone who sees more in life. Of course, like many of his teammates, his dream is to one day play in the NBA. However, Burleson looks at things a little differently. The number one priority in his life is his relationship with God. He takes religion very seriously and that is what drives him in life, not basketball.
"Basketball is a big part of my life. However it is not as big as it once was. I used to feel that basketball was everything until I started to concentrate on my religion and that seemed to put basketball in perspective. It is something I want to do for the rest of my life, but if that is not the plan for me, it will be okay. My relationship with God is more important. I will always love basketball but it is not the main priority," Burleson remarked. "The reason I point at the sky while I am being introduced is because of God. I do it three times to represent the Trinity. God is always with me on the court and I want to give him respect for that."
Obviously for Kevin Burleson, God is what drives this athlete to do what he does best. However that is not the only aspect he feels is important to his game. His family also means a great deal to him. Without their support, he wouldn't be where he is today. "My parents have really helped throughout my career. Until the day I die, they will be right there behind me and that's really a big part of my success," Burleson commented.
Actually, Burleson comes from a rather talented athletic family. His father, Al Burleson, was once a professional football player for the L.A. Rams, New Orleans Saints and played in the Canadian Football League. It is easy to see why Kevin idolizes his father so much. "My idol will always be my father. Not necessarily for sports but in life as well. I have always wanted to be like my dad and hopefully someday I will be comparable to him," Burleson said.
It was his father who introduced him to sports at an early age. "Being that my father played professional football, I have a pretty athletic background. My dad put me in everything: football, track, basketball. Basically I had the opportunity to play everything," Burleson said.
Kevin quickly realized that his talent lied in basketball. Not only did he show it on the court, but it showed in his heart as well. "I wanted to follow in my fathers footsteps and play football, but after a while I realized it just wasn't basketball. I didn't get the same feeling," Burleson commented.
Basketball might not be Burleson's main priority in life, but that does not mean he doesn't love it. In fact when asked to describe basketball in one word, that is exactly what he said. "Basketball is easy love. It is like being in a relationship. I fell in love with basketball and it loves me back. It is the love of the game! If for some reason I couldn't play anymore, I would still love it and would watch it forever," Burleson said smiling.
His love for the game stretches far and wide and it is utterly apparent when you watch him play. Actually the "feeling" that kept him in basketball is one aspect he likes most about the sport. It is described as something you can't imagine unless you have played at his leve. Very few people can say they have, but those that can would certainly agree. "The energy and adrenaline you get from basketball is amazing. Other sports are similar in that respect, however, in basketball you are the center of attention. 14,000 fans are watching you and the energy you get from that is something you could never substitute," Burleson remarked. "I really appreciate true fans. They seem to really appreciate me and I truly appreciate them, so I believe we feed off of each other. I really try to encourage the team to utilize that energy, because you really need to use that towards your advantage. I love Minnesota fans, especially at Williams Arena."
A lot of things go along with being a collegiate athlete. For example, the job of being a role model. Athletes sometimes forget about the thousands of children who watch them and want to be just like them. To go to a game and see their hero playing in person, and then the anticipation of waiting for their favorite basketball player to walk up those stairs and sign a poster, the feeling is better than Christmas, well almost. That is one thing Burleson will never forget.
"I really feel good about being a role model. Some people might shy away from that but I take that challenge head-on. When I was younger, I looked up to a lot of college players and now other kids are looking up to us. They are looking to us for support and guidance and I hope I can influence them to do the right things and make the right decisions," Burleson said.
However, we must remember that there is more to being a role model than being a child's hero. It also entails leadership, sportsmanship and having the ability to take charge of a situation. "When you talk about a role model, it is significant what KB does. It's not in his points or shots, but more in his demeanor. That's where he gets respect from the coaching staff and fellow players. He's a believer and a doer," Assistant Coach Art Prevost said.
If Burleson had to describe himself he would say he was `driven.' "I want people to remember that I am someone who works hard. The University of Minnesota has a rich tradition of good players and I want people to remember that I am someone who worked really hard to get where I am right now," Burleson remarked.
His teammates and coaches certainly have the same feelings. "He's a real vocal leader. He's puts himself out there to make plays, whether it's passing the ball and getting an assist or playing good `D.' He's a great guy to have with you," freshman teammate Rick Rickert said. "You can't put a price tag on his demeanor. He puts forth a great attitude and effort. He's soft spoken and respected by his teammates," Prevost added.
While Burleson believes his teammates think he is most likely to be a preacher because of all the questions he poses or the concepts he tries to instill in them, in actuality his teammates feel differently. "I would vote him most likely to succeed. He's such a hard worker. When he sees something that he wants, he works hard and keeps trying until he gets it," Rickert said.
Once again we hear of someone saying Burleson has a great attitude and is a hard worker on and off the court, but how does Burleson feel about his teammates? When asked who he respects the most on the team, the answer was not easily come by. Having spoken so highly of all of them, picking one was obviously difficult.
"I have the most respect for Travarus Bennett. He is an unselfish player who works really hard. Bennett is a player that doesn't get all the glory that some players do, but he is someone who puts more heart in the game than most basketball players. He is the glue of the team."
It is obvious that Burleson respects his coaches and teammates and vice versa, an imperative facet for a successful team. But what about all of the changes Burleson has been faced with while playing at Minnesota. Like switching to a new coach, the transition of positions and going from a starter to a non-starter some players might let that effect their game. That is certainly not the case here. Actually it seems that Burleson has looked at everything in a positive way. "I believe I have changed a lot as a player since coming to Minnesota especially in being a leader. I have learned that I don't necessarily need to have a great game in order for the team to do well. I know I can help the team win in more ways than one and that has helped me be a better leader," Burleson said. "The transition of positions has been difficult, but the coaching staff has really helped. I just want to do whatever I can to help the team. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices. You may not like it but you have to do it. Like in going from starting to not starting; that is difficult because I am a very competitive player. I love starting, but whatever is better for the team is what you have to do."
"Honestly I decided to come to Minnesota because of Coach Haskins. He came to my house to see me and then I decided to come on a recruiting visit. I met Quincy Lewis and all of the other players and really liked them. I was sold. So switching from Coach Haskins to Coach Monson was challenging. However, I really enjoy playing for Coach Monson. He is driven to succeed and I truly respect him for that," Burleson commented.
It's apparent that Kevin Burleson has respect for a lot of people and a lot of things. All players have respect but the way in which Burleson goes about it is what separates him from everyone else. Burleson has an interesting way of looking at all aspects of life and putting everything into perspective. "Living is what really makes me tick. I see the pain in the world and I just feel so bad. I put myself in perspective all the time. I think about the people who would die for a Snickers bar and I am eating a steak and playing for a Division I school. That really makes me thankful to be who I am."
It's certainly not something you would expect to hear from an athlete but that is just another thing that makes Kevin Burleson so exceptional.
Written by Men's Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant Alison Schiefelbein
Despite what the t-shirt might say, basketball isn't everything. For most collegiate athletes, their sport is their life. They eat, sleep and dream whatever it is they specialize in. However, some have a different perspective, some of them realize that one day all of it could come to an end. Not to say they care any less about their sport; they just see the bigger picture.
Junior guard Kevin Burleson is a prime example of someone who sees more in life. Of course, like many of his teammates, his dream is to one day play in the NBA. However, Burleson looks at things a little differently. The number one priority in his life is his relationship with God. He takes religion very seriously and that is what drives him in life, not basketball.
"Basketball is a big part of my life. However it is not as big as it once was. I used to feel that basketball was everything until I started to concentrate on my religion and that seemed to put basketball in perspective. It is something I want to do for the rest of my life, but if that is not the plan for me, it will be okay. My relationship with God is more important. I will always love basketball but it is not the main priority," Burleson remarked. "The reason I point at the sky while I am being introduced is because of God. I do it three times to represent the Trinity. God is always with me on the court and I want to give him respect for that."
Obviously for Kevin Burleson, God is what drives this athlete to do what he does best. However that is not the only aspect he feels is important to his game. His family also means a great deal to him. Without their support, he wouldn't be where he is today. "My parents have really helped throughout my career. Until the day I die, they will be right there behind me and that's really a big part of my success," Burleson commented.
Actually, Burleson comes from a rather talented athletic family. His father, Al Burleson, was once a professional football player for the L.A. Rams, New Orleans Saints and played in the Canadian Football League. It is easy to see why Kevin idolizes his father so much. "My idol will always be my father. Not necessarily for sports but in life as well. I have always wanted to be like my dad and hopefully someday I will be comparable to him," Burleson said.
It was his father who introduced him to sports at an early age. "Being that my father played professional football, I have a pretty athletic background. My dad put me in everything: football, track, basketball. Basically I had the opportunity to play everything," Burleson said.
Kevin quickly realized that his talent lied in basketball. Not only did he show it on the court, but it showed in his heart as well. "I wanted to follow in my fathers footsteps and play football, but after a while I realized it just wasn't basketball. I didn't get the same feeling," Burleson commented.
Basketball might not be Burleson's main priority in life, but that does not mean he doesn't love it. In fact when asked to describe basketball in one word, that is exactly what he said. "Basketball is easy love. It is like being in a relationship. I fell in love with basketball and it loves me back. It is the love of the game! If for some reason I couldn't play anymore, I would still love it and would watch it forever," Burleson said smiling.
His love for the game stretches far and wide and it is utterly apparent when you watch him play. Actually the "feeling" that kept him in basketball is one aspect he likes most about the sport. It is described as something you can't imagine unless you have played at his leve. Very few people can say they have, but those that can would certainly agree. "The energy and adrenaline you get from basketball is amazing. Other sports are similar in that respect, however, in basketball you are the center of attention. 14,000 fans are watching you and the energy you get from that is something you could never substitute," Burleson remarked. "I really appreciate true fans. They seem to really appreciate me and I truly appreciate them, so I believe we feed off of each other. I really try to encourage the team to utilize that energy, because you really need to use that towards your advantage. I love Minnesota fans, especially at Williams Arena."
A lot of things go along with being a collegiate athlete. For example, the job of being a role model. Athletes sometimes forget about the thousands of children who watch them and want to be just like them. To go to a game and see their hero playing in person, and then the anticipation of waiting for their favorite basketball player to walk up those stairs and sign a poster, the feeling is better than Christmas, well almost. That is one thing Burleson will never forget.
"I really feel good about being a role model. Some people might shy away from that but I take that challenge head-on. When I was younger, I looked up to a lot of college players and now other kids are looking up to us. They are looking to us for support and guidance and I hope I can influence them to do the right things and make the right decisions," Burleson said.
However, we must remember that there is more to being a role model than being a child's hero. It also entails leadership, sportsmanship and having the ability to take charge of a situation. "When you talk about a role model, it is significant what KB does. It's not in his points or shots, but more in his demeanor. That's where he gets respect from the coaching staff and fellow players. He's a believer and a doer," Assistant Coach Art Prevost said.
If Burleson had to describe himself he would say he was `driven.' "I want people to remember that I am someone who works hard. The University of Minnesota has a rich tradition of good players and I want people to remember that I am someone who worked really hard to get where I am right now," Burleson remarked.
His teammates and coaches certainly have the same feelings. "He's a real vocal leader. He's puts himself out there to make plays, whether it's passing the ball and getting an assist or playing good `D.' He's a great guy to have with you," freshman teammate Rick Rickert said. "You can't put a price tag on his demeanor. He puts forth a great attitude and effort. He's soft spoken and respected by his teammates," Prevost added.
While Burleson believes his teammates think he is most likely to be a preacher because of all the questions he poses or the concepts he tries to instill in them, in actuality his teammates feel differently. "I would vote him most likely to succeed. He's such a hard worker. When he sees something that he wants, he works hard and keeps trying until he gets it," Rickert said.
Once again we hear of someone saying Burleson has a great attitude and is a hard worker on and off the court, but how does Burleson feel about his teammates? When asked who he respects the most on the team, the answer was not easily come by. Having spoken so highly of all of them, picking one was obviously difficult.
"I have the most respect for Travarus Bennett. He is an unselfish player who works really hard. Bennett is a player that doesn't get all the glory that some players do, but he is someone who puts more heart in the game than most basketball players. He is the glue of the team."
It is obvious that Burleson respects his coaches and teammates and vice versa, an imperative facet for a successful team. But what about all of the changes Burleson has been faced with while playing at Minnesota. Like switching to a new coach, the transition of positions and going from a starter to a non-starter some players might let that effect their game. That is certainly not the case here. Actually it seems that Burleson has looked at everything in a positive way. "I believe I have changed a lot as a player since coming to Minnesota especially in being a leader. I have learned that I don't necessarily need to have a great game in order for the team to do well. I know I can help the team win in more ways than one and that has helped me be a better leader," Burleson said. "The transition of positions has been difficult, but the coaching staff has really helped. I just want to do whatever I can to help the team. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices. You may not like it but you have to do it. Like in going from starting to not starting; that is difficult because I am a very competitive player. I love starting, but whatever is better for the team is what you have to do."
"Honestly I decided to come to Minnesota because of Coach Haskins. He came to my house to see me and then I decided to come on a recruiting visit. I met Quincy Lewis and all of the other players and really liked them. I was sold. So switching from Coach Haskins to Coach Monson was challenging. However, I really enjoy playing for Coach Monson. He is driven to succeed and I truly respect him for that," Burleson commented.
It's apparent that Kevin Burleson has respect for a lot of people and a lot of things. All players have respect but the way in which Burleson goes about it is what separates him from everyone else. Burleson has an interesting way of looking at all aspects of life and putting everything into perspective. "Living is what really makes me tick. I see the pain in the world and I just feel so bad. I put myself in perspective all the time. I think about the people who would die for a Snickers bar and I am eating a steak and playing for a Division I school. That really makes me thankful to be who I am."
It's certainly not something you would expect to hear from an athlete but that is just another thing that makes Kevin Burleson so exceptional.
Written by Men's Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant Alison Schiefelbein
