Burke, U-M Must “Punch” OSU First (w/video)

Michigan sophomore Trey Burke is one for four against Ohio State and Aaron Craft, with the most recent loss coming on a triple that rimmed in and out in the closing seconds. But Burke remains excited about Tuesday’s opportunity.

Growing up, teachers are constantly looking for ways to challenge their students. For the most part, individuals who want to learn through adversity and hard work, become more successful than those who prefer to just slide on by, giving the least amount of effort possible.

Michigan sophomore Trey Burke is always up for a challenge. Whether it’s in a post practice one on one session with fellow Ohio native Caris LeVert or a matchup with former AAU ‘program mate’ and current Ohio State junior point guard, Aaron Craft.

Either show up, or be shown out.

“He’s a guy that makes me work and it’s always a battle,” said Burke. “Just me being so competitive and knowing how competitive he is -- growing up watching him, him watching me. We played in the same AAU program. It’s just fun playing against him. Though it’s tough because he makes you work, he makes you better -- believe it or not -- in the game.”

“It’s just an all-Ohio thing. It’s exciting to see us both playing at this level and playing as well as we’re both playing.”

Craft and Ohio State have had the propensity to alter Burke and the Wolverines attack in the last four meetings, with Michigan receiving the losing end of the stick in all but one. But the losses won’t deter Burke, the point guard, the leader, the tone setter, for a 20-2 Michigan team looking for ways to attack despite the high level defense exhibited by Craft and the Buckeyes.

“You just have to continue to watch film on ways he plays against you and ways their team plays against us,” said Burke. “They do a really good job on pick and roll actions. They’re a really good pick and roll defense so I just have to find ways to get into the paint and get guys going early.”

An early start pretty much describes the first meeting between the rivals this season -- with Ohio State racing out to a 20-point lead before Michigan got off the bus at Value City Arena.

Now at Crisler Tuesday night, with a ‘maize out’ in order and the team decked out in maize from head to toe, the Wolverines must be ready to do the same.

“Just coming out with a chip on our shoulder,” said Burke. “I think in Columbus we kind of came out and we were reactors not actors -- what the coaches say. I think we just got to come out with high intensity and just come out and throw the first punch.”

“I don’t take it personal at all. It’s going to be between Ohio State and Michigan, it’s not going to be Aaron Craft and Trey Burke.”

To watch video of Burke, press play below.