Catching Up with SC 2021 PF Earl Burgess III

Earl Burgess III will turn heads as college coaches come to recruit the Palmetto state. The power forward has a vast wingspan along with a quick two-foot jump off the floor which allows him to snag rebounds and alter shots at the rim. Burgess runs the floor well for his size and takes advantage of his quickness and strength to score and finish in transition. His midrange game is efficient and he has the ability to finish with hooks around the rim using either hand. Burgess starred for Big Shots Elite SC 2021 on the circuit last year where he was a consistent All Star. The Dorman high school junior currently holds an offer from USC-Upstate and will continue to draw in more attention and looks. Burgess has also been a very impressive prospect that brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to his game. 

We had a chance to catch up with Earl Burgess and hear more about his recruitment, what he is looking for in a school, and his development as a player.

Question: How has the recruiting process been and which schools are showing you the most interest?

Earl Burgess: “The recruiting process has been interesting. It’s cool to see how each school is different in how they attract players. USC-Upstate has offered. Also, Mars Hill and Xavier University of Louisiana have shown interest.”

Question: What qualities are you looking for in your potential college coach and program? 

Burgess: “I just want a coach that will push me to be a better man and basketball player. What I want in a program is a good atmosphere within a team and also a place where I can get a good education.”

Question: How would you describe your game on the court? 

Burgess: “I feel like I can help the team out in any way when it’s needed. I can score well around the basket and pull out to the mid range area. I also feel I can defend and rebound well too.”

Question: In what areas of your game would you like to improve as you prepare for the next level? 

Burgess: “Physically I need to get stronger. I need to get a better jumper to stretch out the floor. The biggest thing to me is that I need to work on ball handling which would open up so many opportunities to make plays.”

Question: Who is your favorite player to study and why?

Burgess: “I love players like Jayson Tatum and Carmelo Anthony because the way they score is so simple yet very effective.”

Question: How has playing in Big Shots events helped your player development and recruitment?

Burgess: “Playing in Big Shots events has definitely been a huge catalyst in my recruitment. Playing well in a tournament with them will get you seen by a good amount of college recruiters.”

We look forward to keeping up with Earl and continuing to follow his progression as a very talented player in SC’s 2021 class.