Notre Dame Men’s Basketball: Freshman Guard Markus Burton Ready to Take on the ACC

SOUTH BEND — Markus Burton’s college basketball journey has followed an unexpected script. The freshman guard has been defying expectations at every turn, surpassing records in high school and earning a scholarship to Notre Dame. Now, he finds himself in a position to potentially start for the Fighting Irish.

In high school, Burton became the all-time leading scorer in Penn High School and Northern Indiana Conference boys’ history, with 2,273 career points. He also averaged 30.3 points per game during his senior season and was named Indiana Mr. Basketball—the first player from the South Bend area to receive that honor since 1978. Despite being labeled a minor mid-major prospect, Burton proved his worth and secured a spot on the Notre Dame roster.

Traditionally, a freshman like Burton would spend his first year on the sidelines, observing and learning the game. However, circumstances have thrust him into a more prominent role. With a coaching change leaving Notre Dame without an experienced point guard, Burton has the opportunity to make an immediate impact.

Burton’s size and speed make him well-suited for the point guard position, and he is already making strides in adjusting to the college game. He has gained 14 pounds since joining the team in June, showing his dedication to improving physically. Despite the challenges of transitioning from high school to the Atlantic Coast Conference, Burton is confident in his abilities and takes each day as an opportunity to grow.

Notre Dame’s roster this season boasts an abundance of guards, but few are true point guards. This opens the door for Burton to potentially become the first freshman point guard to start the season opener for Notre Dame since Chris Thomas in 2001. While it remains to be seen if Burton will secure a starting spot, his teammates and coach have already recognized his potential.

Head coach Micah Shrewsberry could have pursued a transfer player for added security at the point guard position, but he instead chose to put his faith in Burton. Shrewsberry values Burton’s natural ability and competitive edge, believing that he has what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level.

As the Notre Dame men’s basketball team heads into preseason, Burton’s performance will be closely watched. Whether he excels or faces challenges, the experience will only make him better in the long run. Burton’s goal is simple: to improve every day and earn his place in the starting lineup.

Only time will tell if Burton’s name will be written in ink as a starter for Notre Dame, but his dedication and work ethic are undeniable. The college basketball world awaits the next chapter of Burton’s story.

Contact: (574) 235-6153. Follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter): @tnoieNDI.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.