Burns thriving in Wainwright's system at DePaul

His coach doesn't put a ceiling on his per-game shots total, and he's actually encouraged to freelance for points because designed plays detract from his game.

Draelon Burns has got a pretty good setup at DePaul.

Most players would run line drills for hours if they could enjoy the freedom DePaul coach Jerry Wainwright affords Burns. The challenge for the 6-foot-4 senior shooting guard is not abusing or exhausting his luxuries.

At times this season, he has taken too many shots, crossing the line between fearless and foolish as he tries to embrace the top-option tag. Burns has launched 15 or more shots in eight games and, until recently, was shooting less than 40 percent.

Early on, the take-charge style took away from his other strengths, namely defense, an area he improved last season.

"He felt responsible for everything," Wainwright said. "He thought he had to score every basket for us. Winning was his responsibility. But he's a really good all-around player.

"He's played more relaxed lately."

Burns ranks among the Big East offensive leaders -- fifth in scoring (17.9), tied for fourth in free-throw percentage (83.3), 12th in 3-point shooting (32.7) -- but he also grades sixth in the league in steals (1.89).

He showed his growth Jan. 5 against Providence, shrugging off a sorry shooting performance (3-for-13) to distribute a season-high 6 assists in DePaul's victory.

The last two games have brought out the best in Burns, whose lines reflect his versatility.

Saturday against Rutgers: 8-of-12 shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals.

Monday against Florida Gulf Coast: 7-of-12 shooting, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals.

"I love how he played," senior swingman Karron Clarke said. "He didn't force anything. When he shot the ball, he was very efficient. Shot off the ball screen, shot off the dribble.

"Playing like Draelon."

Burns took a more measured approach after an unsettling loss at Villanova. Though he scored 27 points -- one of nine 20-point performances this season -- he took 23 shots and went 4 of 13 from 3-point range.

Unable to curb himself on the court, Burns got a reality check in the film room.

"I shot way too many times," said Burns, who ranks fifth in school history in 3-pointers (123).

On tape, he noticed bad shots, teammates who were open, and assist opportunities that were lost.

"That's what the tape's for," he said.

Burns doesn't conceal his scoring skills and will ride out every shooting streak -- "If I'm hot, my teammates know because I talk and get a little emotional."

But he also recognizes the need to self-police.

"I've talked to him about the (Michael) Jordans and the (Kobe) Bryants who may go a quarter without shooting to get their teammates involved, and then when you need a big basket, those guys step up," Wainwright said. "He kind of has that role with us."

Burns' discipline will be tested Saturday as the Milwaukee native makes his final hometown appearance against No. 21 Marquette. Wainwright said the game likely hinges on shot selection, directing the spotlight toward Burns.

"I can't have him be a question," Wainwright said. "He's got to lead."

Burns scored a team-high 16 points in his last Bradley Center appearance, a 62-47 DePaul loss in 2006. But the co-captain insists he's a different player now.

"I wanted to show my friends and family what I could really do," he said. "I was really immature at the time. Now, they hear what I've been doing, so I really don't have to prove much."

As Burns spoke, one of his teammates walked by and bellowed, "Yeah, Milwaukee," yet another reminder of the game's significance. Clarke, who lives with Burns, said his friend's cell phone hasn't stopped ringing this week.

Burns will have 15 family members and friends in attendance, a party that would have been larger if the game weren't sold out.

"You've got to be careful," Wainwright said. "What you don't want him to do is be so amped up that he plays too fast.

"I think he'll approach it the right way."