Upcoming Event: Men's Basketball versus Nevada [Exh] on October 17, 2025
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Men's Basketball
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Standing Tall
12/28/2001 12:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 28, 2001
By Jesse Christensen, Sports Information Student Assistant
For many athletes, the chance to play for one of the top college coaches in the country will never be more than a far-off dream. Runnin' Ute senior center Chris Burgess has realized this dream not just once, but twice. He has had the privilege of playing for two of the winningest coaches in the history of college basketball in Mike Krzyzewski of Duke and Utah's own Rick Majerus.
"It has been an honor playing for both of those coaches. They both have a reputation for winning and they get their players to play hard for them no matter what. I'm grateful I've had the opportunity to play in both of their programs," states Burgess.
A first team All-American coming out of Woodbridge High School in California in 1997, Burgess was recruited by several of the nation's basketball powerhouses. Burgess began his college career at Duke University, where he played his freshman and sophomore seasons. During his stay in Durham, N.C., the Blue Devils advanced to the NCAA South Regional final in 1998 and the National Championship game in '99. But after averaging 4.9 points and 3.6 rebounds over the course of two seasons, Burgess decided to transfer to Utah. Almost three years later, Burgess is nearing the halfway mark of his final season at the U.
"I love playing at Utah where the inside presence is such a big part of the offense. Majerus wants the ball to go inside, and that allows me to establish my presence in the paint," says Burgess. "At Duke, Coach K. relied more on the perimeter game rather than the inside game. I feel I fit in better here at Utah."
Coming to Utah was a better fit for Burgess both on and off the court. His father and mother, Ken and Sandi, currently reside in Utah. Another enticer for Burgess to join the Utes was the chance to reunite with an old teammate. "I had played on some teams with Britton (Johnsen) growing up and we became good friends. Utah was a perfect fit for me because it brought me to a program I love and it also brought me closer to my family and friends," says Burgess.
Last season was Burgess' first on the court with the Utes after sitting out the 1999-2000 campaign under NCAA transfer rules. He averaged 7.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game and blocked 33 shots despite being sidelined for four games with an avulsion fracture in his right ankle.
"I was disappointed I couldn't help my team," recalls Burgess. "Even though I returned pretty quick from the injury, I was discouraged I couldn't do anything. But, I feel very lucky knowing it could have been a lot worse."
In spite of being nagged by the ankle injury into the off-season, it didn't prevent him from working hard in the weight room. Over the summer, the Utes' strength coaches helped push Burgess to develop into a leaner and stronger player. Now weighing 240, his bench press has improved 50 pounds since last season to a team-best 285.
"Chris hasn't been healthy since he's been at Utah," says Majerus. "I think he's in the best shape he's ever been in. He's very much attune to the conditioning that is necessary to be a good player. If Chris runs the floor and rebounds to his capability, does the extra things on the glass and doesn't play the game backwards, he's going to have a fine senior season. He's capable of being an outstanding player. His biggest enemy has been himself. Hopefully, together, I can help him overcome that."
The 6-10 center's inside presence has been a great asset to the Utes so far this season. Through 10 games, he is the team's leading scorer (14.3 ppg) and rebounder (7.8 rpg), and ranks among the nation's leaders in field goal percentage (.656).
Burgess prides himself on his inside game, but isn't shy about crediting his teammates when he's successful. "I'm privileged to be playing with such great athletes. The post game this year is getting a lot better. Britton is amazingly quick inside and we work well together. Phil (Cullen) always knows where to be and I can always rely on him spotting up when I get in trouble," tells Burgess.
"No expectations and no limitations" is the motto Burgess has now employed. Already, he has proven himself to be not only a successful basketball player, but also a well-rounded individual who continues to strive for perfection.
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