Durango’s Burns headed for Hoyas

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, April 7, 1999 | 10:16 a.m.

It's no secret that former Georgetown coach John Thompson has an affinity for all things Las Vegas. Apparently, his old school also has a great deal of interest in Southern Nevada prep basketball players.

Durango forward Jason Burns is expected to become the second area senior to sign with the Hoyas this year.

Durango coach Al LaRocque said Burns is expected to sign with Georgetown on Tuesday. He'll join Cheyenne guard Demetrius Hunter, who committed last fall during the NCAA's early signing period.

One of Las Vegas' most versatile players, the 6-5 Burns averaged 17 points and seven rebounds last winter for a Trailblazer squad that reached the 4A state semifinals.

"I think the whole rationale for Georgetown recruiting him is that he has a nice stroke, and that's something that all schools need," LaRocque said.

After starting his high school career at Cheyenne, Burns spent his sophomore year in California before transferring to Durango for his final two years. Between his junior and senior years, he enrolled in summer school at Mt. Zion Christian Academy in North Carolina, where he played with some of the nation's most talented players.

"His turnaround from last year to this year was like night and day," LaRocque said. "The summer he spent with those kids helped him 100 percent."

Burns' father, Michael, played for UNLV from 1978-82, earning the nickname "Spiderman" because of his long arms.

Burns will join Hunter and Clark guard Kevin Gaines (Michigan) as the only three boys players to sign with Division I schools so far. Several other local players, including Cimarron's Marcus Banks and Brian Lang, Rancho's Kevin Crockrom and Cheyenne's Larry Graves, are expected to make their college choices later this spring.

On the girls side, only Gorman center Paige Sutton (Nebraska) and Moapa Valley center Jordan Adams (New Mexico) have made their decisions official.