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Burke has Clippers off to 3-0 start

Friday, December, 21 By John Shimer
Staff writer

Three years ago, then-Newburyport freshman Richie Burke got his first dose of what could be described as a hostile environment.

Making his first start at Georgetown in front of a large crowd, a very nervous Burke was not playing to the best of his abilities. Taking pleasure in his struggles, the Georgetown fans directed their most vicious cheers at Burke in an attempt to antagonize the rookie.

For the most part, it worked.

After the game, though, Burke got an unexpected yet important message from someone who would later become a big part of his life, then-Georgetown coach Tom L'Italien. "I told him, 'Don't listen to those guys up in the stands,'" said L'Italien, who is now pacing the Clippers sideline. For Burke, the words | albeit from the opposing coach | helped restore his confidence.

"I learned to key everyone else out and focus solely on the game," Burke said. "It was a really good feeling even though I was a starting freshman. And each year playing in front of those big crowds, it has just really grown on me." The lesson was the first of many from coach L'Italien to the eventual four-year starter. L'Italien became Burke's coach the next season.

"Everything I know today, coach L'Italien has taught me. I think I am twice the player today because of him," Burke said. "He taught me to step into my shot and the difference has been night-and-day since. I also have really learned how to better approach playing my angles on defense."

Now a senior, Burke may just be the most important cog in the Clippers machine. Although he may not be the team's leading scorer, his value lies in setting the team's tempo at both ends of the court.

"In the first two games, Richie didn't score. But if he had not been out on the court, we would have lost," said L'Italien. "His job is to set the tone on offense, relay to the other four guys on the court what defense we are in, and to give the team a comfort level I am looking for as the coach.

"What he does can be grinding. To play full-court, man-to-man defense on the opposing team's point guard and then have that played against him at the other end, it wears on you."

Due to several concussions, basketball is Burke's only remaining contact sport. He had to quit football and lacrosse before his junior year. He has since joined Newburyport's golf and baseball teams. But the injuries have not deterred his fearless nature.

"His bouts with concussions have been well-documented, but the guy is still the first one on the court going after loose balls," L'Italien said. "He plays with a tremendous sense of urgency, which at times can be reckless. He'll take the charge when needed, he'll dive on the loose ball whenever possible, and he has no fear of taking the ball to the hoop where he can get whacked."

Burke says it's all in a day's work as a point guard. "I never really thought of the concussions, that's the way I am, and that's the way I play," he said. "If it is good for the team and good for the coach, I will do it. That's the type of player I aspire to be. Whatever comes, comes." That type of attitude is why L'Italien says he is so coachable, such a hard worker, and why he exemplifies the team's motto.

"Around here we say, 'You need to work to get better, and if you're not getting better, you're getting worse,'" L'Italien said. "Because while you stay the same, everyone around you is improving and passing you by. He has bought into that philosophy, and I think it's contagious with the rest of the team. He's a leader and the guys know what he says is product with substance behind it."

Burke also does possess that ability to be a game-changing, dominant scorer when the time calls for it.

In the most recent game against Amesbury, Chris Barry sat on the bench for long stretches in foul trouble. At the same time, Ben Brink and Sam Melanson, Burke's two other senior backcourt mates, were not able to find their usual open looks. No problem, though. Burke took over the offense, scoring 17 as the Clippers won, 45-36.

However, he still prefers the role of the prototypical point guard, getting his teammates involved in the game.

"Getting other people the ball is 10 times more important than getting my own points, and it's what I like to do," Burke said. "If my opportunity is there, I'll take it, but if someone else is open or someone has a hot hand, this is a team effort and I'm looking for them."