A fourth MVP contender

Nobody had a better freshman season in the WAC than Deonte Burton. His outside shooting improved from his prep days and he retained his marvelous ability to drive and finish. Heck, just look at what he did pre-conference play compared to the WAC schedule: 42% overall shooting to 49%, 35% to 45% from long distance and 13.7 points per game to 15.8. He also topped the Wolf Pack in assists -- all this as a frosh.

So what can he do better in 2011-12?

1) This will be a task for Burton, his teammates and Coach Carter to work out -- that being a sophomore as the leader of the team. It's something accomplishable but will require the other team mainstays to fully buy in. The shot attempts of Burton, Dario Hunt and Olek Czyz need to go up while Malik Story's (36% overall, 30% from long distance) are reduced, at least to a degree.

2) Which Burton numbers can be elevated and which reduced?

PTW envisions Burton at 20 points per game in 2011-12 plus something better than a 72% number at the foul line. It's difficult to pinpoint a reduction but he did average more than two turnovers a game last season.

3) What can he do to make his teammates more effective?

Additional dishing on his dribble-drives -- he's really the sole creator in the backcourt so a greater amount of layups and open looks for his teammates have to come from him.

4) Sort of tied into the first listing -- be a coach on the floor -- as Nevada is minus a true point and, although  teams rarely look at a sophomore (for good reason), Burton can handle this task.