Watch above: ‘pleasant problem’ for Saskatchewan Huskies men’s basketball team
SASKATOON – Last season was the most difficult one Connor Burns has ever endured.
The 6’7” centre had just transferred to Saskatoon from the University of Regina, which meant that Burns had to redshirt for a full year. Connor put in the work practicing with the Huskies every day, but was forced to watch the games from the bench.
“The hardest part was just watching the games,” said Burns. “Getting so ready to play and then not being able to play.”
This season Burns is ready to complete the final chapter of his CIS career. In his last year of eligibility, Connor will be playing alongside his younger brother Mack Burns, who enters his second season with the Huskies.
“I don’t think a lot of people get the opportunity to play with a sibling, and I definitely didn’t get the opportunity in high school because we’re five years apart in eligibility,” said Connor.
“It’s really unique that we get to play together, and practice together, and grow as friends as well as brothers.”
Connor will provide a powerful inside presence for the Huskies. Two years ago, he placed third in the CIS in rebounds (213), and averaged 14.5 PPG. But according to Huskies head coach Barry Rawlyk, having Burns on the team creates a “pleasant problem.”
“We’re still trying to find a way to best fit him into the lineup with the other players that we have,” said Rawlyk.
“Sometimes that’s not easy to do because it kind of changes the face of your team a little bit. But as I said it’s a pleasant problem, he’s a significant talent, a great leader, and a very hard worker.”
A challenge for the Huskies is to find an effective way to use Connor Burns and the centre from last season’s team, Matt Forbes. Now the dogs have the option to go big, and put both players on the floor at the same time.
This is a drastic change in style for Saskatchewan that is typically a perimeter oriented team, but Rawlyk feels the addition of a veteran big man like Burns will benefit the Huskies in the long run.
Saskatchewan will open the season on Friday, Oct. 31 against the Alberta Golden Bears.
Comments