One of the few South Carolina prospects that made their way to the Phenom WNC 150 in Cherokee was 2021 6'7 Earl Burgess, a prospect that immediately catches your eye with intrigue.
Part of a successful program at Dorman, who is coming off a 28-3 season and a 5A state championship, Burgess is looking to show everyone just what he is capable of doing.
At the Phenom WNC 150, he automatically attracted scouts' eyes with his length and size. Phenom Hoop Report's Jamie Shaw said:
'6'7 2021 Earl Burgess of Dorman (SC) found a way to produce in numerous situations. So long, the ball seems to find his hands. Great hands, good touch, rebounded well. Uber productive. The D1 stuff he's getting makes sense.'
That is exactly how Burgess would describe his game but he has also been putting in the work this offseason in expanding to the perimeter, being even more dangerous with his versatility.
'I think I finish well around the paint and can pull out to the mid-range when needed and get rebounds on both ends,' Burgess told Phenom Hoops. 'In the summer, I've been working on getting my jump shot and handles better, so I can bring my game out to the perimeter.'
Dorman is already loaded with talent with the likes of Myles Tate and PJ Hall but Burgess wants to continue to prove that once those two are gone, he and the Cavaliers will continue the program's success.
'I want to show that I can play well within a proven system and also show that after Myles and PJ leave, we still have the talent to be a good team next year.'
With his intriguing size, length, and improving skill set, Shaw was correct that his interest from college coaches schools makes sense. Right now, USC-Upstate has already offered him while Mars Hill has continued to show interest.
'They've (USC Upstate) said that they want to build a strong relationship with me and my family, so strong that it would be hard for me to say no to going to that school,' Burgess said. 'Interest wise, Mars Hill says that they would love for me to visit sometime again after I performed well at a camp for them.'
With schools getting an early start on Burgess, we wouldn't be surprised if more started to express interest as well after another productive season. Dorman will be a popular spot this upcoming season with the talent the Cavaliers have and Burgess will be a name to keep an eye on.
What Has Been Said:
“Burgess is a strong young post player that does a great job capitalizing on his touches around the basket. He moves well on the perimeter defensively and is always around the rim to clean it up on both ends of the court. Another good one coming through the Dorman pipeline.” – Miles Masercola
