Willie Burton

Willie Ricardo Burton (born May 26, 1968) is an American former professional basketball player who was selected by the Miami Heat in the first round (ninth overall pick) in the 1990 NBA draft from the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Burton played for numerous NBA teams from 1990 to 1999. He also played in Europe for several seasons.

He was born in Detroit where he attended high school at Saint Martin De Porres. Willie has three children with Carla Burton.

High school career Burton attended high school at Saint 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.

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.

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 the second fewest field goal attempts in a 50-point game.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Post-playing career After retiring from the NBA, Burton decided to pursue a career working with athletes on their mental health. He returned to the University of Minnesota and graduated in 2026 with his PhD in Exercise and Sports Psychology.