The #1 Recruit Who Chose Duke Over BYU

About this episode

Chris Burgess knows what it feels like to have the entire basketball world watching. Coming out of Woodbridge High School in Irvine, California as the nation's #1 recruit and a McDonald's All-American, Burgess had his pick of programs — and chose Duke University over BYU, playing for Coach Mike Krzyzewski and reaching the national championship game in 1999. He later transferred to the University of Utah, where he played under legendary coach Rick Majerus before a decade-long professional career that took him around the globe.Now back home as an assistant coach at BYU under Kevin Young, Burgess shares the full story — the pressure, the lessons, and what he brings to the next generation of players.🎙 In this episode, Coach Burgess and Erik cover:🏆 What it's like being labeled the #1 recruit in the country and the pressure that comes with it🔵 Playing for Coach K at Duke and competing in the 1999 national championship game🏔️ Transferring to Utah and learning under Hall of Fame coach Rick Majerus🌍 A decade of professional basketball across the U.S., Australia, Korea, Europe, and more📋 What he looks for when recruiting players to BYU today🧠 Advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting process🐾 Building the Cougars program in the Big 12 under coach Kevin YoungBe sure to follow Coach Burgess:https://www.instagram.com/cburgess34/Also follow BYU Men's Basketball: https://byucougars.com/sport/m-basketballPlease consider following us on social:https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.teamChapters:0:00 Intro0:33 Realities of Being the #1 Prospect5:45 Getting Recruited9:44 Playing Well In Front of Coaches15:28 Transition from High School to College20:39 Making the Commitment to Duke29:17 Letting Down 9 Million Mormons3:04 What Players Can Do Now to Be Ready for College35:58 Replicating Game Speed in Practice39:45 Transferring Schools (Then and Now)48:56 Coach K vs Coach Majerus56:56 Player Development1:01:28 Recruiting Now1:03:58 Choosing Who To Recruit1:06:26 Getting Recruits with Honesty1:12:15 Feel vs Teach vs Enforce1:16:40 Team Leaders and Personalities1:19:55 Change in What Matters1:25:04 Coaching Shot Selection1:28:16 HS vs Portal vs International Players & Recruiting1:33:00 What Players and Parents are Missing1:42:23 Advice to Younger Self #BYUBasketball #ChrisBurgess #BasketballRecruiting #MakingTheTeam