Nigel Burris: Men’s Basketball

Nigel Burris: From Big Sky Freshman of the Year to Weber State Wildcat – A Rising Star’s Journey

Nigel Burris is carving out an impressive basketball career,transitioning from a standout freshman year to becoming a valuable asset for the Weber State wildcats. His journey, marked by key achievements and consistent growth, offers a compelling case study in collegiate sports. He showcased his prowess after transferring from Utah State. playing in 85 career games with 53 starts, he has accumulated 507 points, 362 rebounds, and 66 3-pointers.

Early Success: Big sky Freshman of the Year (2022-23)

Burris made an immediate impact during his time at Idaho, earning the prestigious Big Sky Freshman of the Year award in the 2022-23 season. He became the first player from Idaho to ever win the award, standing as a testament to his extraordinary talent and hard work.

As a true freshman,he played in all 32 games,starting 25. Burris averaged 8.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game,leading all freshmen in the conference. Notably,he scored in double figures 15 times,highlighted by a season-high 21 points in the Big Sky Tournament’s first round against Northern Arizona. This early success set the stage for his future collegiate endeavors. Furthermore, his ability to shoot 52.7 percent from the field and make 39 3-pointers demonstrated his versatility as a player,marking him as one to watch in collegiate basketball.

Did You Know? The Big Sky Conference, founded in 1963, has produced numerous NBA players, including Hall of Famer John Stockton.

Transition to utah state (2023-24)

Following his impressive freshman year, Burris transferred to Utah State, joining a team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in the 2023-24 season.Although his role was more limited, he still contributed valuable minutes, appearing in 20 games. In those appearances, he totaled 21 points with 25 rebounds and three assists. One standout game included a season-high 10 points against San Diego and nine rebounds against South Dakota Mines. While his statistics didn’t mirror his freshman year numbers, his experience in a tournament-bound team was invaluable. Earning Mountain West Academic All-Conference honors further highlighted his dedication to both athletics and academics.

Pro Tip: Balancing academics and athletics requires strong time management skills. Create a detailed schedule and stick to it to ensure success in both areas.

Weber State Wildcats (2024-25): A New Chapter

Nigel Burris embarked on a new phase of his career as a junior at Weber State in the 2024-25 season, after transferring from Utah State. He played in 33 games for the Wildcats, starting in 28, and quickly became a key player, demonstrating his adaptability and skill set. Burris averaged 6.2 points per game and scored in double figures five times. His performance against Utah Valley was a standout, with a season-high 17 points and 10 rebounds, resulting in a double-double.

Finishing second on the team in rebounding at 5.3 rebounds per game, he proved his worth on the boards. He also showcased his three-point shooting ability, knocking down 27 3-pointers, which ranked fourth on the team. Adding 15 steals and 10 blocked shots, Burris demonstrated his all-around contribution to the team. He also earned Big Sky Academic All-Conference honors in Professional Sales, showcasing his commitment to academics alongside his athletic pursuits.

This combination of athletic and academic achievements reflects Burris’s well-rounded approach to college life and sets a positive example for student-athletes. His journey through different collegiate environments highlights his resilience and adaptability, qualities that will likely serve him well in his future endeavors, whether in basketball or beyond.

High School Foundation: Archbishop Mitty

Before his collegiate career, Burris honed his skills at Archbishop Mitty High School, where he played for two seasons. During his time ther, he helped lead the team to two WCAL league titles and two Central Coast Section championships, boasting an impressive 40-6 record.

Rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, Burris averaged 13.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a senior. His standout performances earned him a spot on the 2021 northern California All-Metro team, solidifying his reputation as a promising young talent.

Did You Know? Archbishop Mitty High School has a strong basketball tradition, producing several notable players who have gone on to play professionally.

Statistical Highlights: A Career Overview

To better understand Nigel Burris’s career trajectory, here’s a table summarizing his key statistics across his collegiate journey:

Season	Team	Games played	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game	3-Pointers Made
2022-23	Idaho	32	8.8	5.0	39
2023-24	Utah state	20	1.1	1.3	N/A
2024-25	Weber State	33	6.2	5.3	27
Career Total	–	85	6.0	4.3	66

This table provides a comprehensive view of Burris’s performance, highlighting his growth and contributions to each team he has played for. As he continues to develop, these numbers are expected to evolve further.

Family Legacy and Personal Life

Born on march 23, 2023, nigel comes from an athletic family. His parents are Damon and Tracy Burris.His mother, Tracy, was a college volleyball player at the University of San Francisco, where she holds four school records as a middle blocker. His sister, Maya, played college basketball at Brandeis University in Boston. He is currently majoring in Professional Sales at Weber State. This strong family background in sports and academics underscores the values of dedication and perseverance that Nigel embodies.

Do you think having a family with a strong sports background influences an athlete’s performance and mindset?

Pro Tip: Networking is crucial in Professional Sales. Attend industry events and connect with professionals to build relationships and expand your knowledge.

Future Trajectory: What’s Next for Nigel Burris?

As Nigel Burris continues his collegiate career, the focus will be on refining his skills and maximizing his impact on the court. His ability to adapt to different team environments and consistently contribute in various roles makes him a valuable asset. With his combination of athletic talent and academic dedication, Burris has a bright future ahead, whether he pursues a professional basketball career or leverages his education in the field of professional sales.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is nigel Burris known for?

Nigel Burris is known for being named the Big Sky freshman of the Year in 2023 while playing for Idaho and his versatility as a basketball player.

which teams has Nigel Burris played for?

Nigel Burris has played for Idaho, Utah State, and Weber State. Before college, he played at Archbishop Mitty High School.

What are Nigel Burris’s career highlights?

His career highlights include being named Big Sky Freshman of the Year, scoring a season-high 21 points in the Big Sky Tournament, and contributing to Weber State’s team as a junior.

What is Nigel Burris studying at Weber State?

Nigel Burris is majoring in Professional Sales at Weber State.

what are some of the biggest challenges Nigel faced transitioning between different college basketball programs, adn how did he overcome them?

Archyde Exclusive: Interview with Nigel Burris – A Collegiate Basketball Star on the Rise

Archyde News Editor, Alex Johnson, sits down with Weber State Wildcats’ star Nigel Burris to discuss his journey through collegiate basketball and his ambitions for the future.

introduction: Setting the Stage

Alex Johnson: Welcome, Nigel! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your story is one of consistent growth and adaptability, and it’s inspiring for young athletes. Let’s start by talking about your transition from Idaho to Weber state. what were the key factors that influenced your decision to join the Wildcats?

Nigel Burris: thanks for having me, Alex. I appreciated that Weber State had a programme focused on building a winning culture. Coach realy emphasized the importance of a strong team dynamic and player skills development. That really appealed to me and was the main factor in making the move to Weber State.

Early career: Idaho and the Big Sky Freshman of the Year

Alex Johnson: Your freshman year with Idaho was nothing short of notable. Winning the big Sky Freshman of the Year award is a massive achievement. can you share what that recognition meant to you and how it shaped your approach going forward?

Nigel Burris: Winning that award was a huge honor.It validated all the hard work I’d put in and gave me a lot of confidence. It taught me the importance of staying focused and pushing myself. It motivated me to become more consistent and better than the previous year.

Navigating Transitions: Utah state to Weber State

Alex Johnson: Moving to Utah State, you experienced a different role with a team that made an NCAA Tournament run. How did that experience help shape your overall development as a player and a teammate?

Nigel Burris: Playing at Utah state was a great experience. It gave me a perspective of how to play on a championship team, even in a smaller role. I learned the value of team chemistry and that every contribution, no matter how small, matters. It helped me understand the bigger picture,which I now apply at Weber State.

Weber State Wildcats: A Key Contributor

Alex Johnson: Now at Weber State, you’ve become a key member of the squad, averaging notable minutes and making a real impact on the court. How does your role on the current team differ from previous ones?

Nigel Burris: At Weber state, I am in a role where the coaches and other players rely on my skills to make an impact on the court.This is what I’d been working towards. The other players trust me, which helps me, in turn, trust them.. It feels great to be a part of a team where everyone contributes and works together. Having a good coaching staff helped give the team, and myself, the best chance to perform at a high level.

Balancing Athletics and Academics

Alex Johnson: You’re not only excelling on the court but also in the classroom. Double honors with Big Sky Academic All-Conference. How do you manage the demands of playing college basketball while pursuing a degree in Professional Sales?

Nigel Burris: It comes down to time management and discipline. You need to create a schedule and stick to it. There are tough days, but setting clear goals and celebrating small victories keeps me motivated. My family has a history of excelling academically, so it is something I’ve been taught to respect.

Family Influence and Athletic Heritage

Alex Johnson: You come from an athletic family with a mother who played college volleyball and a sister who played college basketball.Do you think having a family with a strong sports background influences an athlete’s performance and mindset? If so,how?

Nigel burris: absolutely. Growing up, I saw firsthand the dedication and sacrifice required to succeed in sports and education. My parents and sister set a great example of hard work and commitment. It provided a great support system, and a competitive nature, that’s helped me learn the values of good sportsmanship.

Future Aspirations: Beyond the Court

Alex Johnson: Looking ahead, what are your immediate goals on and off the court? Where do you see yourself in five years, considering your interest in Professional Sales?

Nigel Burris: On the court, I want to continue to improve and contribute to the team’s success. I’m focused on refining my skills and being a reliable player. Off the court, I’m building my network and developing my skills for a sales career. In five years, I hope to be excelling in sales while having continued to play basketball professionally, if the opportunity is right.

Concluding Thoughts

Alex Johnson: Nigel, this has been incredibly insightful.Your journey embodies perseverance,adaptability,and the drive to succeed. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

Nigel Burris: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure.

Call to Action

Alex Johnson: We encourage our readers to discuss this interview in the comments section. What aspects of Nigel’s journey do you find most inspiring?