Burning Hot Burns Bouncing to Robert Morris

Ron Bailey, Publisher

June 28, 2007 – After a junior season in which he didn’t play as many minutes as expected at Bishop O’Connell (VA), Jason Burns has secured a full ride to Robert Morris. How did the 6’3”, 165lb guard do that you ask? The answer is hard work, particularly with the Triple Threat (AAU) organization.

“I want to thank Keith Stevens (Triple Threat’s Director). He always had faith in me” said Burns yesterday, via telephone. “He always guaranteed my parents I would get a scholarship”.

According to Stevens, all praise is due Burns, as he stated “I think it just shows if a kid puts in the work, then good things will come”.

Burns is a slashing combo guard who defends well, accepts a team concept, will attack the rim in a fast pace environment, and has a good understanding of the game. For Triple Threat this year, he has been a valuable asset, whether starting or coming off the bench, as his energy, composure, and intelligence all boost the squad.

Jason Burns (#10, left, back row) with some of his Triple Threat 17 and under teammates in the spring. Expect him to major in engineering at Robert Morris.

Jason chose Robert Morris over the likes of Howard, Hampton, George Mason, St. Bonaventure, Marymount, and Mt. St. Mary’s – all schools that recruited him to varying degrees – due to being “comfortable with the coaching staff (led by Mike Rice)”. He also noted “As soon as I come in, there should be immediate playing time”.

This year, Burns will attend Henry Wise High School (MD) – the school in his home’s jurisdiction – where the coaches are excited to have Jason, and have a major role for him this season. In fact, the young guy has already started impacting the that squad, as indicated by his play in the Maryland/DC/Virginia Board Games championship contest. He’s on track to make things happen, and cause college coaches to kick themselves for not recruiting him more intently.

Does Stevens think Burns can excel at Robert Morris? “I think he’s going to be good” at Robert Morris, replied Triple Threat’s head guy, when posed the question. “He is with a coach that understands his style of play”.

Kudos to Jason Burns, whose story is instructive: Despite not getting enough minutes in high school as a junior to showcase his skills, Burns kept a positive attitude, worked hard, and surrounded himself with people who cared. The result is a college scholarship.

His experience should be a lesson for many.