Trent Burns has been on quite the journey. The towering 7-foot-5 center from Cypress, Texas, has spent much of his college career watching from the sidelines, first due to a foot injury and then surgery.
But patience, it seems, is one of his virtues. Burns, a fan of intricate Lego sets, knows a thing or two about taking things piece by piece.
His favorite project? A 3,000-piece Milky Way model, built over a week and a half-a testament to his methodical nature.
But when it comes to basketball, Burns was eager to hit the ground running. After more than 600 days away from the court, he was itching to get back.
“I was a little antsy at first,” he admitted. “But it’s just basketball at the end of the day.
I love this sport, so it means a whole lot to be able to play again.”
Re-entering the game wasn’t without its challenges. The SEC is known for its physical play, and Burns faced some tough competition.
Mistakes were made, and his minutes were initially limited. Yet, as he found his rhythm, Burns began to carve out a role for himself on the Missouri team.
In recent games, his contributions have been notable. Against Vanderbilt, Burns posted the best plus/minus on the team, helping Missouri outscore their opponents by 19 points during his 18 minutes on the court. He grabbed seven rebounds and committed just one foul-a promising performance.
“The jump from high school to the SEC is huge,” Burns said. “I was running on adrenaline at first, but I’m starting to settle in and adjust to the speed and physicality.”
Missouri head coach Dennis Gates has been navigating challenges of his own, particularly with Shawn Phillips Jr.’s foul troubles. Phillips has been racking up fouls at an alarming rate, necessitating reliable frontcourt options.
Enter Burns. In limited action, he’s averaging 9.2 rebounds per 40 minutes, second only to Phillips on the roster.
His shot-blocking ability adds another layer of potential, even if his offensive skills, especially on the perimeter, haven’t fully emerged yet. Against Arkansas, he played 13 minutes without a rebound-something that needs improvement.
Gates has been pushing Burns to be more assertive on the boards. After the Vanderbilt game, he told Burns, “I’m not going to play you ever again if you don’t earn it in practice.”
It’s tough love, but Burns understands the intent. “He expects a lot of me,” Burns said.
“I remind myself that his coaching isn’t out of anger. We’re on the same team.”
With Missouri needing depth at center, Burns could be the late-season surprise they’re looking for. His potential is undeniable, and as he continues to develop, he might just become that crucial piece Missouri needs in their puzzle.