After a solid junior season, Greene County basketball’s Laryous Burt wants to play at the next level.
Burt, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound rising senior for the Tigers, enters his final season with zero offers.
“I have a lot of doubters that don’t think I can do it, so getting an offer would mean so much to me,” Bart said.
Burt wasn’t always sure that basketball would be his sport, but he worked hard to get to where he’s at.
“My first year, I was slacking, but then I came to my senses about it and got more serious,” he said. “I feel like my hard work will pay off.”
Burt averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds per game last year, earning first-team All-State and All-Region honors. His contributions helped the Tigers reach the second round of the state playoffs.
“During my 11th grade season, making it to the Sweet 16 and all my accolades made me think I wanted to play at the next level,” Burt said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there.”
Burt describes himself as an “all-around player” who can do it all, but his role for the Tigers is playing the big. He thinks he is a big forward “that can rebound and finish well in the paint” on the court.
Burt is projected to play as a combo guard at the next level, and he’s doing plenty of work to prepare for that.
“We’ve been working a lot this summer on dribbling and shooting,” he said. “I want to perfect my game.”
Greene County head coach Mark Wright is excited to have Burt returning next season.
“[Laryous] is a giant on the court for us, and for a guy in the middle, he’s a matchup problem for any team,” Wright said. “He is only 6-foot-2 but plays like he’s 6-foot-7. He’s a giant on the court for us, and for a guy in the middle, he’s a matchup problem for any team.
“He is constantly double-and-triple-teamed and never complains about getting fouled. He muscles through adversity and has become a natural leader for us. He strives to be not only first-team All-Region next year, but Region Player of the Year.
“He came in second for that, only losing by two votes as a junior. As a senior, he’s primed and ready for another breakout year. I’m glad to have him around.”
Greene County has been to multiple camps over the summer, and Burt finds that helpful.
“We’ve played some tough competition, and it brings out the best in you,” Burt said. “I’m not sure who’s watching, but I love going out there with my team and having fun.”
Burt hopes to impress someone on the camp circuit enough to receive an offer. He’s been working hard to put his name out there, especially the last few months.
Burt knows his potential.
“Getting an offer would mean a lot to me and my family,” Burt said. “I just want to be able to help me and my family.”