As Arizona’s First Transfer, Burke Wins the Horizon League Player of the Year Award
In a college basketball season brimming with surprises, none was more symbolic than the rise of Trey Burke, Arizona’s first transfer in program history, who captured the Horizon League Player of the Year award in commanding fashion. Burke’s journey from the sunny courts of Tucson to the fierce midwestern gyms of the Horizon League is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and unrelenting self-belief.
The move itself made headlines during the offseason. Arizona, a blueblood in college basketball with national championships, Final Four banners, and a seemingly endless pipeline of NBA talent, had never previously sanctioned a transfer out of the program by a scholarship player under the modern portal system. Burke’s departure sent minor shockwaves throughout the Wildcat community. Why would a player leave one of the biggest stages in college basketball for the relatively obscure courts of the Horizon League?
In hindsight, Burke’s decision was not just logical — it was visionary.
From Wildcat to Phoenix: Burke’s Path
Trey Burke was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school. Rated a four-star guard by multiple recruiting services, he had his pick of powerhouse programs. Arizona had seemed the perfect fit: an up-tempo offense under head coach Tommy Lloyd, packed McKale Center crowds, national TV games — the dream.
But dreams don’t always unfold as planned. Burke found himself caught in a logjam at Arizona, buried behind future NBA draft picks and seasoned veterans. His playing time dwindled. His confidence began to waver. Privately, he started contemplating a bold move: transferring to a program where he could not just play, but thrive.
After a whirlwind recruitment process in the portal, Burke surprised many by committing to Northern Kentucky University (NKU), a rising but relatively quiet program in the Horizon League. Coach Darrin Horn and his staff promised Burke two things: the ball would be in his hands, and he would be allowed to lead.
For Burke, it was an irresistible offer.
“I didn’t want to be just another guy in a rotation,” Burke said during his NKU introductory press conference. “I wanted to be the guy. And NKU believed in me like that from Day One.”
An Immediate Impact
It didn’t take long for Burke to showcase why he was such a coveted talent.
In NKU’s season opener against a tough non-conference opponent in Xavier, Burke poured in 26 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished 5 assists, leading the Norse to a stunning 81-79 upset. It was a signal to the rest of the Horizon League — and perhaps the country — that Trey Burke had arrived.
Throughout the non-conference slate, Burke was a model of consistency. Even when NKU took its lumps against power conference opponents, Burke’s performances were steady: efficient shooting, creative passing, disruptive defense.
Once Horizon League play began, Burke turned it up another notch. Over 20 conference games, Burke averaged:
- 21.4 points per game
- 6.1 assists per game
- 5.7 rebounds per game
- 1.9 steals per game
- 48.7% field goal shooting
- 38.3% from three
- 83.4% from the free-throw line
These weren’t just good numbers; they were dominant. Burke led the conference in scoring and assists, a rare double crown that had only been achieved twice before in Horizon League history.
In late January, after a 35-point explosion on the road at Cleveland State — a game in which he also had a triple-double — the buzz around Burke reached a fever pitch. By February, he was a frontrunner for the league’s Player of the Year honors, with many national analysts beginning to mention him in conversations about mid-major standouts who could become March legends.
The Intangibles That Set Burke Apart
While Burke’s stats were dazzling, it was his leadership and maturity that truly elevated NKU.
Teammates raved about Burke’s attitude from the first practice. Despite coming from a “big school,” Burke was humble, hardworking, and fiercely competitive. He demanded excellence from himself and gently, but firmly, held his teammates accountable.
“He never acted like he was better than anyone else,” said senior forward Chris Brandon. “If anything, he was the first guy to dive for a loose ball or stay late after practice working on free throws.”
Coach Horn echoed that sentiment: “You get transfers sometimes who think they’re saving your program. Trey was the opposite. He just wanted to fit in, to help us win, and he did it through hard work and sacrifice.”
Burke’s leadership shone brightest during close games. NKU won five games by three points or less during Horizon League play — all of them featuring clutch plays from Burke, whether it was a late-game three-pointer, a crucial defensive stop, or calm free throws under pressure.
Winning the Horizon League Player of the Year
When the Horizon League announced its postseason awards, there was little suspense: Trey Burke was named Player of the Year in a near-unanimous vote. He also earned First-Team All-Defense honors, a testament to his two-way impact.
In his acceptance speech, Burke emphasized the collective nature of his achievement.
“This is not just about me,” he said, standing beside his smiling teammates. “This is about what we’ve built here at NKU. It’s about trusting in each other, believing in something bigger than yourself, and doing the work every single day.”
The award made history in multiple ways:
- Burke became the first transfer from Arizona to ever win Player of the Year honors at another program.
- He was the first NKU player to win Horizon League Player of the Year since the school transitioned to Division I.
- Burke was the first player in Horizon League history to lead the conference in both points and assists while shooting better than 48% from the field.
It was, in short, one of the greatest individual seasons in Horizon League history.
The National Spotlight Awaits
With Burke leading the way, NKU captured the Horizon League regular-season title and entered the conference tournament as the No. 1 seed. But the goals for Burke and the Norse were bigger: an NCAA Tournament berth and a chance to become this year’s mid-major Cinderella story.
Burke’s star turn also began attracting attention from NBA scouts. Standing 6’3″ with a strong frame, excellent court vision, and an improving outside shot, Burke was suddenly on draft boards — something that had seemed impossible a year earlier while he was riding the bench at Arizona.
“I think he’s a second-round guy right now, but with a big tournament, he could rise,” one NBA scout told The Athletic.
Regardless of what the future holds, Burke remained grounded. His focus stayed on helping NKU finish the job and dance in March.
“One game at a time. One possession at a time,” he said after clinching the regular-season title. “We’re not satisfied yet.”
A Transfer Portal Success Story
Burke’s journey is a testament to the positive side of the transfer portal era in college basketball.
While critics often lament the “wild west” nature of the portal, pointing to hundreds of players transferring every offseason, Burke’s story illustrates that, when done thoughtfully, transferring can be transformative.
For Burke, leaving Arizona wasn’t about quitting. It was about finding the right fit. At NKU, he rediscovered his love for the game, regained his confidence, and proved to himself — and everyone else — that he was capable of greatness.
He didn’t take shortcuts. He didn’t blame others for his struggles. He simply found a place where he could be valued and then maximized the opportunity.
What Comes Next?
As NKU prepares for postseason play, Burke’s legacy at the school is already secure. Win or lose, he will be remembered as the player who elevated the program to new heights.
Still, a deep run in March would be the perfect capstone to his incredible season. For Burke, every dribble, every pass, every shot is another chance to show that betting on himself was the right choice.
In a season where so much of college basketball has been dominated by chaos, coaching changes, and NIL drama, Trey Burke’s story stands out as something pure: a reminder that heart, hustle, and faith can still carve a path to greatness.
From Arizona’s crowded sidelines to the bright spotlight of the Horizon League, Trey Burke’s journey is a victory for dreamers everywhere.