One of the more underrated versatile forwards has been 2021 6'8 Ben Burnham from Carmel Christian. Getting a few glimpses already this season as a junior, Burnham has simply produced time and time again.
He is quite intriguing to watch with his versatility to score inside and in transition, as well as pull-up with his mid-range jumper and 3-point shooting. Burnham also has that sneaky athleticism that surprises some when you first see it.
To start the season, Burnham is showing his full arsenal and his impact on the court and many are starting to take notice.
'I've put in work over the summer and I'm thankful for Coach Badgett for giving me the opportunity to play for such a good school,' he told Phenom Hoops. 'I'm hoping to build relationships with my teammates and coaches. I do my thing in the classroom and on the court, whether it's rebounding, scoring, and block shots. I'm a lanky athletic player with bounce who plays hard every possession.'
Starting the season, Burnham is averaging 21 points per game and 10 rebounds per game through six games. He impacts the game so much for his team, whether it is on the offensive or defensive end.
And since he has transferred to Carmel, his recruitment is starting to rise just like his game.
'It has been picking up since I transferred and after my weekend at the Tip-Off Classic. I don't have any offers yet but I have some school showing interest and I enjoy talking to the coaches and trying to find a college that is right for me.'
Schools like Winthrop, College of Charleston, FAU, Mount St. Mary's, and UNCW have all expressed interest and that list could continue to grow as well with his production.
Phenom Hoops' Thoughts:
'There have been a lot of intriguing prospects to come through our doors this summer, but Ben Burnham stands out as one of the most consistent. He's an extremely long, wiry, athletic forward that brings an unwavering approach each time out. Burnham does a little bit of everything on offense; he can spot-up, handle the ball, attack the basket, create space off the bounce for pull-ups, and has nice post capabilities from the block or elbow. He plays with such an excellent motor, which allows him to frequently outwork bigger/stronger opponents for rebounds, putbacks, and second-chance opportunities.' – Jeff Bendel from Summer Havoc in 2019
'He walks on the court and does not pass the eye test, however, he will block shots at the top of the square and get tip back dunks or catch back door lobs on top of the oppositions bigs every game. With highly explosive players like Kwashek Breeden and Omarion Bodrick in the event, it was Burnham who had most of the crowd talking after each one of his games. Burnham's game from the high post has developed and his touch is extending further away from the basket.' – Rick Lewis
