Burney lists a wide range of schools

The season started a little slow for Jerome Burney, Jr. but the 6-foot-9, 204-pound power forward Westlake High School in Atlanta, Ga., turned the corner at the top of the year. And so did the recruitment of the big man from the class of 2006. He's earning his attention with his improving play and he hopes to earn scholarship offers in the near future.

After starting the season on a nine game winning streak, Burney and his Westlake teammates took a loss in Tennessee at a tournament. That's when the big man took his game to another level.

Burney responded by claiming most valuable player accolades at the Peach State Classic. He was a triple-double guy (points, rebounds and blocks) for the entire event. So what was the key and foundation to his success?

"Confidence," Burney said. "You're game will go to another level if you have confidence."

His recruitment went to another level, too. Burney said the at the start of the season Alabama, Tennessee and Clemson were involved. He also says the three southern schools have offered a scholarship. Then came South Carolina, UConn, Georgia Tech and Oregon.

One ACC school has stood out all along the way.

"Georgia Tech. I've always wanted to go there," Burney said. "It's hometown and close and it's a technical school and that's what I want to study."

Burney has been to Georgia Tech for a game against in-state rival Georgia. He also took in a Yellow Jacket practice.

The long and athletic defensive minded player is still raw on the offensive end of the floor but he has good size that coaches like to build upon. Burney has good timing as a shot-blocker and he has a wide wing-span that allows him to block at least five shots a game.

Burney will suit up for the Georgia Stars on the AAU circuit.