University of Minnesota Athletics
The Family Ties; Senior Guard Kevin Burleson
1/15/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Senior guard Kevin Burleson, or "KB" as he's commonly known, can trace some of his on court success with the Golden Gophers to his family genes. His grandfather was a professional boxer, father Al played in the NFL and CFL and older brother Alvin had a sensational football career at the University of Washington. KB's younger brother Nate played at the University of Nevada, as a standout wide receiver who led the nation in receiving in addition to being a Biletnikoff Award finalist and heading for a career in the NFL. His brother Lyndale, still in high school, is in the midst of promising basketball career. Need I continue?
"It was a competition everyday in the Burleson household," Kevin Burleson said. "My dad taught us to be competitive and we all played football. Sports have always been our lives and my brothers motivate me. Alvin was an incredible player at Washington, (Nate) is one of the best receivers out there and my youngest brother, Lyndale, is an athlete that could pass me up because he is becoming such a good player."
Burleson's relationship with his brothers and family has always been a focal point in his life. Without question, the encouragement he has received has enabled Burleson to become a true team leader.
"My brothers and I stay in touch and we also push each other. I talk to my brothers at least every week or so. We keep each other in line. My family is so important to me and it's great to have that backing."
Don't be fooled. The basketball battles weren't always love fests. Burleson admits there were some fierce contests at family gatherings but the "best" Burleson won every time.
"No question. I win every time. The last time my brother Alvin beat me in one-on-one was when I was a seventh-grader. He still brings it up."
A product of O'Dea High School in Seattle, Wash., Burleson helped OHS to three appearances in the state semifinals including a state title his junior season. Burleson was a two-time all-city selection and boasted 15 points, eight assists and eight rebounds per game. In addition, Burleson was selected twice to the all-academic prep squad. Needless to say, Burleson's family instilled a competitive spirit that has been the benchmark for Kevin's achievements at the University of Minnesota. His three seasons prior to 2002, Burleson has averaged 7.2 ppg while dishing out more than 300 assists.
Even more important that Burleson's stat line is his ability to lead. Associate head coach Mike Petersen describes with ease Burleson's skill of leadership.
"He's such a stable guy," Petersen said. "He may not be the most verbal or emotional guy, but he leads by example. His teammates truly respect Kevin. The great thing about Kevin is that his is so coachable. He doesn't care if he shoots or not, as long as he is helping the basketball team he's content. He has done a great job running our and he wants to help this team in any way he can."
Teammate and backcourt cohort Ben Johnson echoes Petersen's appraisal of Burleson.
"KB's a fifth-year guy and he has experience," Johnson said. "He brings calmness to our team because he's been through it all. He brings the experience to our team to win big games."
Burleson has not only taken ownership of his leadership responsibility, but he has set the new standard for years to come.
"As a senior, my first role is to be a captain and father type figure to guys both on and off the court," Burleson said. "I had guys helping me when I came up like Terrance (Simmons) and JB (Bickerstaff) and they taught me a lot. We have a young team and I just try to direct them with things like school responsibilities and staying focused in the game."
Still, KB has experienced some hardships along the way. Two seasons ago, Burleson made a move from shooting guard to point guard, a change that wasn't a cakewalk. Burleson was forced to master the offense in an unfamiliar position and become accustom his new role on the team. However, he attributes those difficult adjustments to his growth as a person.
"I have been through a lot, but it has taught me so much. We have had tough games and long seasons have helped build my character for the better. In basketball, I have become a smarter player on the court even though it was a tough transition to point guard."
So far in 2002, Burleson leads the team and the Big Ten Conference in assists at 6.1 per game in addition to scoring 7.1 points and grabbing 3.2 boards per contest. Distributing the basketball has always been Burleson's forte and certainly his teammates have reaped the benefits of his generous play. Without a doubt, Minnesota's postseason road will definitely hinge on the contributions of KB.
Guards Maurice Hargrow, Ben Johnson and forwards Michael Bauer and Rick Rickert have all profited from Burleson's ability to dispense the ball to the perimeter. The four long-range gunners are shooting a combined .527 behind the three-point arc. Burleson's passing knack could be considered the primary cause of such success.
"I try to be an unselfish player. My job is to penetrate and find the open guys in the right position. Our team is built around some of our 'spot-up shooters.' I need to get guys like Mike, Rick, Ben, Sunshine (Steve Esselink) and Moe the ball when they need it. No matter what, I want to keep the offense running smoothly."
Burleson has indeed made an impact since coming to the 'U.' His name already appears in several Golden Gopher record books. Currently KB ranks fourth in school history with 329 career assists just behind Melvin Newbern's career best 369 ('88-90). KB also holds the school's fifth spot in career three-point field goals with 116.
When KB isn't "dishing the rock" or breaking down defenses, he can be found enjoying his other past time, movies. A self-proclaimed "movie-buff," Burleson prides himself on his knack for quality cinematic evaluation. Move over Ebert & Roper.
"When I am not playing basketball, I like to simply relax. I am a big movie fan in general, old or new. One of my biggest things on off days is to just watch a couple movies and critique them...sometimes just to talk about how bad they were."
A speech communications major, Burleson has become gifted at expressing his thoughts and feelings. As the Golden Gophers floor general, this talent directly been utilized more than once. It's also possible that growing up in a household with three brothers led to Burleson's aptitude for speaking his mind with clarity.
"(My brothers) and I always keep each other going and sometimes I do have to defend myself," Burleson explained. "They give me solid advice and I try to help them too. We're tight and I am really glad for that."
With each game, Burleson draws closer to the conclusion of his basketball career. Wherever Burleson ends up after his career at Minnesota, it can be assured that happiness will follow. With a firm support from his parents and brothers and a commitment to an attitude of leadership and unselfishness, KB has discovered the recipe for success. Just don't let your brother's beat you in one-on-one.
Written by Athletics Media Relations Graduate Assistant, Tim Ellis
The phrase "sports run in my family," is a clich, that few individuals can actually take ownership of. True, Rick Barry and sons can ascribe to such notoriety, and maybe even the Dunleavys (Mike and Mike Jr.). However, it's time to add another group to the list. Ladies and gentlemen, the Burleson family.
Senior guard Kevin Burleson, or "KB" as he's commonly known, can trace some of his on court success with the Golden Gophers to his family genes. His grandfather was a professional boxer, father Al played in the NFL and CFL and older brother Alvin had a sensational football career at the University of Washington. KB's younger brother Nate played at the University of Nevada, as a standout wide receiver who led the nation in receiving in addition to being a Biletnikoff Award finalist and heading for a career in the NFL. His brother Lyndale, still in high school, is in the midst of promising basketball career. Need I continue?
"It was a competition everyday in the Burleson household," Kevin Burleson said. "My dad taught us to be competitive and we all played football. Sports have always been our lives and my brothers motivate me. Alvin was an incredible player at Washington, (Nate) is one of the best receivers out there and my youngest brother, Lyndale, is an athlete that could pass me up because he is becoming such a good player."
Burleson's relationship with his brothers and family has always been a focal point in his life. Without question, the encouragement he has received has enabled Burleson to become a true team leader.
"My brothers and I stay in touch and we also push each other. I talk to my brothers at least every week or so. We keep each other in line. My family is so important to me and it's great to have that backing."
Don't be fooled. The basketball battles weren't always love fests. Burleson admits there were some fierce contests at family gatherings but the "best" Burleson won every time.
"No question. I win every time. The last time my brother Alvin beat me in one-on-one was when I was a seventh-grader. He still brings it up."
A product of O'Dea High School in Seattle, Wash., Burleson helped OHS to three appearances in the state semifinals including a state title his junior season. Burleson was a two-time all-city selection and boasted 15 points, eight assists and eight rebounds per game. In addition, Burleson was selected twice to the all-academic prep squad. Needless to say, Burleson's family instilled a competitive spirit that has been the benchmark for Kevin's achievements at the University of Minnesota. His three seasons prior to 2002, Burleson has averaged 7.2 ppg while dishing out more than 300 assists.
Even more important that Burleson's stat line is his ability to lead. Associate head coach Mike Petersen describes with ease Burleson's skill of leadership.
"He's such a stable guy," Petersen said. "He may not be the most verbal or emotional guy, but he leads by example. His teammates truly respect Kevin. The great thing about Kevin is that his is so coachable. He doesn't care if he shoots or not, as long as he is helping the basketball team he's content. He has done a great job running our and he wants to help this team in any way he can."
Teammate and backcourt cohort Ben Johnson echoes Petersen's appraisal of Burleson.
"KB's a fifth-year guy and he has experience," Johnson said. "He brings calmness to our team because he's been through it all. He brings the experience to our team to win big games."
Burleson has not only taken ownership of his leadership responsibility, but he has set the new standard for years to come.
"As a senior, my first role is to be a captain and father type figure to guys both on and off the court," Burleson said. "I had guys helping me when I came up like Terrance (Simmons) and JB (Bickerstaff) and they taught me a lot. We have a young team and I just try to direct them with things like school responsibilities and staying focused in the game."
Still, KB has experienced some hardships along the way. Two seasons ago, Burleson made a move from shooting guard to point guard, a change that wasn't a cakewalk. Burleson was forced to master the offense in an unfamiliar position and become accustom his new role on the team. However, he attributes those difficult adjustments to his growth as a person.
"I have been through a lot, but it has taught me so much. We have had tough games and long seasons have helped build my character for the better. In basketball, I have become a smarter player on the court even though it was a tough transition to point guard."
So far in 2002, Burleson leads the team and the Big Ten Conference in assists at 6.1 per game in addition to scoring 7.1 points and grabbing 3.2 boards per contest. Distributing the basketball has always been Burleson's forte and certainly his teammates have reaped the benefits of his generous play. Without a doubt, Minnesota's postseason road will definitely hinge on the contributions of KB.
Guards Maurice Hargrow, Ben Johnson and forwards Michael Bauer and Rick Rickert have all profited from Burleson's ability to dispense the ball to the perimeter. The four long-range gunners are shooting a combined .527 behind the three-point arc. Burleson's passing knack could be considered the primary cause of such success.
"I try to be an unselfish player. My job is to penetrate and find the open guys in the right position. Our team is built around some of our 'spot-up shooters.' I need to get guys like Mike, Rick, Ben, Sunshine (Steve Esselink) and Moe the ball when they need it. No matter what, I want to keep the offense running smoothly."
Burleson has indeed made an impact since coming to the 'U.' His name already appears in several Golden Gopher record books. Currently KB ranks fourth in school history with 329 career assists just behind Melvin Newbern's career best 369 ('88-90). KB also holds the school's fifth spot in career three-point field goals with 116.
When KB isn't "dishing the rock" or breaking down defenses, he can be found enjoying his other past time, movies. A self-proclaimed "movie-buff," Burleson prides himself on his knack for quality cinematic evaluation. Move over Ebert & Roper.
"When I am not playing basketball, I like to simply relax. I am a big movie fan in general, old or new. One of my biggest things on off days is to just watch a couple movies and critique them...sometimes just to talk about how bad they were."
A speech communications major, Burleson has become gifted at expressing his thoughts and feelings. As the Golden Gophers floor general, this talent directly been utilized more than once. It's also possible that growing up in a household with three brothers led to Burleson's aptitude for speaking his mind with clarity.
"(My brothers) and I always keep each other going and sometimes I do have to defend myself," Burleson explained. "They give me solid advice and I try to help them too. We're tight and I am really glad for that."
With each game, Burleson draws closer to the conclusion of his basketball career. Wherever Burleson ends up after his career at Minnesota, it can be assured that happiness will follow. With a firm support from his parents and brothers and a commitment to an attitude of leadership and unselfishness, KB has discovered the recipe for success. Just don't let your brother's beat you in one-on-one.
Written by Athletics Media Relations Graduate Assistant, Tim Ellis
