What is the intrigue with 2024 Trent Burns?

There is a very palpable buzz coming out of Texas about 2024 Trent Burns. Through the six games that Synergy charted from Nike’s EYBL 16u Circuit this Summer, Burns averaged 8.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.

Modest numbers for the junior at Houston (TX) PSAT, which may explain why there is not much information floating around about him. However, as you peel back the layers, you see why the intrigue is building around Burns.

7’0 Trent Burns (2024/C) @Tr3ntB21 @HoustonHoops17U #Top100Talent pic.twitter.com/EV9sV9JD1v

— TOP 100 TALENT (@top100talent) September 26, 2022

Burns size

One of the first things I heard when attending October’s Wootten Top 150 Camp was about a gangly center down in Houston. He was not at the camp; however, a handful in the Texas basketball community thought it necessary for Burns to be known on a national level.

“There’s a seven-footer down in Houston who shoots threes and blocks shots,” the group said. I did a quick Google search and found limited information. However, there were some things. For starters, Burns is listed anywhere from 6-foot-11 to 7-foot-2.

Going through Synergy, both pulling his clips and watching full games, you see he is clearly taller than everyone else on the 16u floor. As you can imagine, from a junior in high school, Burns is still growing into his body. Added strength and continued natural growth will enhance his movements, but there is fluidity and dexterity.

Burns has long arms, a thin waist, and broad shoulders. He will need strength added in his core and lower frame, but he has a frame that should be able to put on good weight with so many natural basketball tools.

Burns skill set

Of course, walking in and seeing a seven-footer catches the eye, but the skill set is where the true intrigue really begins. Upon first look at Burns, you see a skinny, gangly big who gets pushed off his spot and gasses out quickly. It’s understandable why there is not much written or posted about him.

However, as you sit down and fire up the film, you see an immense upside. In the 2023 class, Dennis Evans may be similar in size, frame, and trajectory. Burns averaged just over eight shots per game. In the unique nature of Burns’ game, six of those shots were threes.

Burns has a soft touch and is a confident three-point shooter off the catch. He made just over 30 percent of the threes he took. A quick look through the film and you see a guy who shoots it squared to the basket. He has a consistent release and good balance. Furthering Burns’ upside as a shooter, you see he made 100 percent of the free-throws Synergy charted.

Burns shot 46 percent from two, with an array of short corner jumpers and no dribble dunks. Once Burns gathers, he has some explosion around the basket. He does not waste many movements, as the shot goes up quickly. With his lack of strength at his current state, he struggles in traffic and in going through people. As he continues to get stronger, the game will slow down, and he will be able to hold position better around the basket.

The Recruitment

Things are just getting started for Trent Burns. Currently, the 7-footer claims offers from Texas-Rio Grande Valley and Incarnate Word. Many big men are late bloomers, so patience is necessary for his recruitment, but the intrigue is certainly there.

Burns still has two seasons of high school basketball left. Earmark the name and check back in a couple of months to see the progression.