Why Independence High’s Jamarius Burton is transferring from Wichita State to the Big 12
Former Independence High star Jamarius Burton is leaving Wichita State.
Destination? Lubbock, Texas.
“I fell in love with the culture despite the fact I couldn’t take a visit,” Burton told the Observer of his decision to transfer to Texas Tech. “ ... Their vision for me, as far as the coaching staff, was pretty clear, and I can’t deny the success they’ve had over the past couple of years, and I want to be a part of it.”
Burton will have to sit out next season per NCAA rules and would have two years eligibility remaining, unless he successfully receives a waiver or a proposal to grant one-time immediate eligibility to transfers passes later this year.
Texas Tech made the Elite Eight of the 2018 NCAA Tournament and reached the championship game in 2019. The team was 18-13 last season.
A 6-foot-5 sophomore, Burton’s four finalists were Marquette, Seton Hall, Texas Tech and Xavier. Burton, ranked among the top 10 transfer prospects nationally by several media publications, was one of seven Wichita State players to enter the portal after a 23-8 season.
“It was no longer a fit for us,” Burton said of the players leaving. “Each player has their different reasons. For me, I wanted to get into a better situation to help me develop and chase my dreams of being a pro.”
Burton averaged 10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists for Wichita State as a sophomore, while shooting 44 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from 3. He scored in double figures 19 times in 30 games.
As a high school senior, Burton led Independence High to the 2018 N.C. 4A state championship one year after returning from surgery to replace a torn ACL. Burton was state final MVP after a 71-60 win over Wake Forest Heritage, recording 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
He said going through a non-traditional transfer process — prospects couldn’t visit schools due to the coronavirus pandemic — created some unique challenges.
“It was very difficult,” he said, “but me and my family created a list and a process that helped me to my ultimate decision. I watched a lot of film on each team. I talked to the players. I talked to other sources as far as coaches that are in the business at the (Division I level). I talked to reporters that travel around the teams.”
▪ Sunday night, former Concord First Assembly state champion Charles Minlend transferred from San Francisco to Louisville, where he will be immediately eligible as a graduate transfer. ESPN ranked Minlend as the No. 17 grad transfer nationally.
This story was originally published April 13, 2020 at 2:01 PM.
