With many already on the rookies (Josh Primo & Joe Wisekamp) that were selected in this past year’s draft, let’s look at some of the new faces to this year’s team that were just added to the roster.
Jordan Burns
Burns is a 6’0 guard with an endless amount of accolades to his name. The 2021 Patriot League Player Of The Year is without a doubt one of, if not the best player, to ever suit up for the University of Colgate.
After leading his squad to conference titles and impressive NCAA appearances in 2019 and 2021, Burns seemingly would take his game to another level as the lights got brighter. Stepping up as the glue guy for his team on a competitive Divison 1 team, after going from under the radar, heavily slept on recruit isn’t something you see every day. Not only will he be a great fit in Austin but he potentially could find himself in a similar role with Josh Primo splitting time between in Austin and with the San Antonio Spurs.
“It’s a blessing” stated Burns when asked what it felt like to be picked up by his hometown squad, “I just kept working, I believed that somebody was gonna give me an opportunity, somebody was gonna believe that I was the guy that I could help their team win.”
Look for Burns to be a key back-court piece for the squad’s rotation this year and don’t be surprised if he ends up back in the Alamo City suiting up for the San Antonio Spurs.
Devontae Cacok
Cacok is a 6’8 high flying power forward who many believe will be the veteran piece the team needs that could also be promoted and spend time in San Antonio. After spending four years at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Cacok found himself un-drafted in 2019 but was picked up seemingly right away as the Los Angeles Lakers inked him to an exhibit 10 contract thus giving the Lakers his rights to their G League affiliate in South Bay. He heavily exceeded expectations his rookie year, posting an impressive stat line averaging 19.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, earning him G League First Team honors.
Cacok finally made his NBA debut with the Los Angeles Lakers the next season but would spend most of the season at the end of the rotation not seeing the floor only to make a few appearances during the season. He was invited to the infatuated yet unforgettable “NBA Bubble” where he did earn a ring and was crowned an NBA Champion.
His time with the Lakers came to an end sadly earlier this summer and was recently waived by the Brooklyn Nets after being invited to their training camp over the summer. After spending a week as a free agent, Cacok was signed to a two-day deal and finally arrived in the lone star state as the Austin Spurs wrapped up training camp.
Look for Cacok to have an immediate impact with the squad and like Burns could easily find himself in San Antonio’s rotation sooner rather than later.
