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Markus Burton's reputation as a prolific scorer preceded him to Bloomington. The Notre Dame transfer joined the Hoosiers this offseason with a billing as one of college basketball's most potent offensive threats. Yet Indiana's need for Burton extends beyond his ability to fill up the basket; the program requires him to elevate the play of his teammates as well.
During Monday night's 91-57 season-opening triumph over Eastern Illinois, Burton demonstrated he can excel in both areas. He poured in a game-high 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including a flawless 3-for-3 performance from beyond the arc. However, the most promising aspect of his Indiana debut may have had little to do with his scoring. Burton handed out five assists while committing only one turnover, looking every bit the floor general the Hoosiers need him to be.
Beyond the Box Score
A distinction exists between a great scorer and a great point guard. Burton spent much of his first two collegiate seasons establishing himself as the former. On Monday, he provided a glimpse of what he could become as the latter. Rather than forcing his own shot on every possession, Burton took what the defense offered, consistently applying pressure on Eastern Illinois' defense and forcing defenders to make decisions. When they collapsed on him, he found open teammates. When they gave him space, he made the Panthers pay.
Indiana coach Darian DeVries praised Burton's heightened aggressiveness after the game. "His aggressiveness has really cranked up. It's not just scoring," DeVries said. "He's being aggressive and making plays. Sometimes that's with him finishing it with a shot attempt. There are other times he's getting in there and getting everybody to collapse, and then he's spraying it out." For a player who hadn't appeared in a regular-season game in 332 days after suffering a season-ending ankle injury at Notre Dame last season, Burton looked remarkably comfortable directing Indiana's offense.
Burton credited his coach's guidance for his approach. "Coach preaches to me just making my teammates better," Burton said. "That's what I'm here to do. That's what I'm trying to do."
Elevating Those Around Him
Perhaps no one appreciates Burton's presence more than his backcourt partners. Jaeden Mustaf, who started alongside Burton on Monday, didn't hesitate when asked how much easier the veteran point guard makes his job. "A lot easier," Mustaf said. "Me knowing he was coming here is another big reason why I'm here. You know how great of a scorer he is, but I don't think he gets enough credit for as much of a playmaker he can be as well. He makes it a lot easier for us."
Burton's impact wasn't confined to the offensive end. DeVries commended his defensive tenacity, particularly late in the first half when Indiana's defense helped put the game out of reach. Still, Burton's four personal fouls served as a reminder that improvement is needed.
Eastern Illinois isn't the type of opponent that will ultimately determine whether Burton belongs among the Big Ten's elite point guards. Tougher defenses, more physical matchups, and nights when his jumper isn't falling lie ahead. But Monday offered an encouraging early indication that Burton can influence games in multiple ways. Indiana already knew it had a scorer in Burton. What it might have discovered is something even more valuable: a point guard who can make everyone around him better.