Jordan Burks putting winning above role or position at Kentucky

“He’s not a center,” John Calipari said following Kentucky’s 81-73 win over Team Germany to open the 2023 GLOBL JAM in Toronto. “It’s driving him crazy that he’s got to be the center, I told him, ‘Do you want to play? You’ve got a choice: play this position or don’t play. I mean, I don’t know what to tell you.'”

Jordan Burks was a versatile forward who led Overtime Elite in scoring as a senior, averaging 27.1 points while adding 7.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per contest. But 6-9 is 6-9 — he’s tied for the tallest available player the Kentucky Wildcats have to offer right now alongside Tre Mitchell. With Aaron Bradshaw (foot) and Ugonna Onyenso (ankle) both injured, that’s all Kentucky has to offer.

And if the Decatur, AL native wants to play early, he has to embrace the big-man role whether he’s a true big or not.

“Trying to get more acclimated, honestly,” Burks told KSR. “Just trying to get acclimated. I mean, yeah, it’s an adjustment, but it’s nothing I can’t do. I can do anything. Anything I need to do, I’m gonna do it. So hopefully you all get to see that.”

To his credit, he’s filled in nicely at the backup five spot behind Mitchell. He finished with two points on 1-3 shooting while adding two rebounds and a steal in game one, followed by six points on 3-4 shooting to go with four rebounds, two blocks and a steal in game two.

“Whoever said this kid was a three-star? Where did that come from? I have no idea. He was when he was in the ninth grade,” Calipari said. “A three-star? You know what happens? I guess if you say it enough, it’s an echo chamber and you believe it. But he’s a good player.”

Burks has the physical tools to be a real player. Long and athletic with a bucket-getter mindset, his production at OTE wasn’t an accident. And he’s capable of contributing in similar ways as a Wildcat.

“Rebounding and blocking shots, getting steals. Just being an energy guy, a spark plug,” Burks told KSR. “Come in and do whatever they need me to do. That’s how I feel like I can help the team.”

At the end of the day, though, it’s not about individual production. If there’s a role for him on the floor, he wants to contribute to winning basketball, not worry about his own personal stat line. And if there’s not a role for him on the floor? Well, he’s cool with being the ultimate cheerleader on the bench.

“As long as we win, I’m gonna feel good regardless,” Burks said. “Like, I’m just happy to be a part of a winning program and have great coaches, great teammates. That satisfies me. No matter how many points, how many rebounds, nothing, it’s just about winning.

“I really appreciate being a part of this team and doing everything I can to help produce any way I can. Even clapping on the bench. Anything. I’m just excited to be here.”