The University of Connecticut Huskies are currently in first place in the early race to sign Richmond star forward Tyler Burton. This East Coast basketball sensation has been getting attention across the board as an exciting prospect due to his impressive stats and top-level performance. With the NBA draft deadline fast approaching, the eyes of the college basketball community are firmly fixed on Burton’s next move.
Gifted Burton-eyed Huskies
Tyler Burton, a dynamic forward at 6-foot-7, has shown his prowess on the field. He averaged 19.0 points per game and 7.4 rebounds, making him an outstanding player in the Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference. Remarkably, Burton scored in double figures in every game last season, with 14 games with him scoring at least 20 points.
A versatile player, Burton can make shots from anywhere on the field. He is a threat from the wing position and, with a solid support staff, can take his game to the next level. However, his college basketball future hung in the balance as the NBA draft approached, with Burton receiving the option to go professional. As a graduate transfer, the May 11 transfer portal deadline does not apply to Burton, and he can still choose to either turn professional or enter the portal.
Richmond striker Tyler Burton has entered the transfer portal.
He averaged 19.0 points and 7.4 rebounds. Elite player. pic.twitter.com/1ET47rFPn9
– CBB content (CBBcontent) May 25, 2023
Now, it looks like Burton’s next destination might be national champion, Connecticut.
An opportunity to join the National Champions and make an immediate impact
UConn is an attractive option for Burton. Not only is it a top regional program in the Northeast, where Burton hails from, but the Huskies just clinched a national title, making them an even more attractive option. UConn will likely provide a lot of playing time for Burton, especially since they are set to lose expected lottery pick Jordan Hawkins.
In addition, the fate of the Huskies’ guards, Andre Jackson and Tristen Newton, remains uncertain. If Jackson decides to stay in the draft, Burton could step in as a veteran scoring option, replacing not only Hawkins but also UConn’s leading scorer, Adama Sanogo. The move would also give Burton the opportunity to stay closer to home and play for a potential Final Four contender.
If Burton opts out of the NBA draft, a host of other programs are expected to join the race to sign him. Burton is a magnet for any program with his scoring ability, rebounding skills, and athletic prowess. He also has a knack for three-point shooting, despite his three-point shooting efficiency declining last season.