Jordan Burks looking to create "second home" at Ole Miss
Prior to his official visit, Kingsmen Academy (Fla.) small forward Jordan Burks didn’t know a whole lot about Ole Miss.
“My mom is from Mississippi originally so I was aware of them but that was really it,” Burks said. “Of course I knew they were in the SEC and they signed Daeshun Ruffin, I remember him when he was coming up.”
But once head coach Kermit Davis hired Louisiana head coach Brock Morris on his staff, things quickly changed from very little knowledge to committing to the Rebels on Thursday.
“After coach Brock offered me he was wanting me to visit as soon as possible,” Burks said. “That stood out to me immediately. I could tell he really wanted me and we connected.”
Burks officially visited in June and got a chance to see campus, the new facilities, meet the players and see them in action. This along with his growing relationship with Morris and Davis tipped the scales in Ole Miss’ favor instantly.
“I already liked them because it’s close to home so my mom can come see me play,” Burks said. “Oxford is known as the best college town in America so that doesn’t hurt, not to mention their playing style is ideal for my game.”
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The 6-foot-8, 190 pound wing was adamant about his plan upon his arrival at Ole Miss when I spoke with him following his verbal commitment. The Rebels had a less than stellar campaign on the court last year, finishing 13-19 overall and just 4-14 in SEC play. But, this only fueled Burks’ fire to join Davis’ 2023 class and help change things.
“I’m coming in with a different mindset,” Burks said. “Sure I want to showcase my skills but I mostly want to help them win games and make the NCAA tournament any way I can.
“Turning things around is my No. 1 priority,” Burks said. “It’s an opportunity to create a second home and develop a new mentality at Ole Miss.”
Burks chose the Rebels over finalists Mississippi State, Missouri, Eastern Michigan, Texas Tech, and the G-League Ignite. The NBA’s development league was enticing for Burks and he admitted it was a tough decision.
“I thought about it a lot actually, for a few months,” Burks said. “It’s a gamble, though, and you can’t go back to college. I want to have that opportunity to play in college, the SEC and to turn things around for coach.”
Morris’ pursuit of Burks played a huge role in him picking Ole Miss. The new Rebel assistant pitched their plan for his development, how they will use him in their system and it was enough to secure a verbal pledge from On3’s 88th-ranked prospect.
“I love how they get up and down the floor,” Burks said. “They get their playmakers the ball in transition and their spacing and mindset is something that set them apart. It’s my type of playing style.”
Upon revealing his commitment Thursday afternoon, Burks tells OMSpirit he heard from friends, family members and his peers. But he really liked hearing from his future staff and college teammates.
“The coaches were texting me and they were pumped,” Burks said. “The current players, too, they are ready for me to get there and get to work with them.”
