Quick Facts
GeminiBiography
Willie Ricardo Burton (born May 26, 1968) is a retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the Miami Heat in the 1st round (9th overall pick) in the 1990 NBA draft from the University of Minnesota. Burton played for numerous NBA teams as a journeyman from 1990 to 1999. He was born in Detroit where he attended high school at St. Martin De Porres. Willie has three children with Carla Burton.
Professional career
Burton was selected by the Miami Heat in the 1st round (9th overall pick) in the 1990 NBA draft from the University of Minnesota. He earned Second-Team All-Rookie Team status, averaging 12 ppg in his rookie campaign.
Burton scored 53 points in a game for the Philadelphia 76ers against his former Heat team on December 13, 1994. Burton only attempted 19 field goals in the game, which is a NBA record for fewest field goal attempts in a 50-point game.
College career
The University of Minnesota reached the Sweet Sixteen during Burton's junior year (1989) and the Elite Eight during his senior season (1990). Burton finished his college career as the Golden Gophers' second all-time leading scorer, with 1,800 points. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 1990, a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 1989 and honorable mention All-Big Ten in 1988. After sharing team MVP honors in 1988, he earned was the sole winner of the team MVP in 1989 and 1990.
High school career
Burton attended high school at St. Martin De Porres. The school won the Michigan Class C state championship in 1985 and 1986.
Burton was inducted into the Detroit Catholic High School Hall of Fame in 1990.