Indiana men’s basketball: Markus Burton scouting report

Feb 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Markus Burton (3) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Indiana got its starting point guard via the transfer portal earlier this offseason, signing Markus Burton from Notre Dame. The Mishawaka, Indiana native spent his first three seasons in South Bend, though he played just ten games last year due to an ankle injury, meaning he likely has two years of eligibility remaining.

Burton was an instant impact player from the jump at Notre Dame, starting all 33 games his freshman year, leading the team in both points and assists per game with 17.5 and 4.3, respectively. His sophomore season, the last year he was fully healthy, he led the entire ACC in scoring with 21.3 points per game.

Listed at 6’0” and 190 lbs., Burton won’t be the biggest point guard in the Big Ten next year, but he might be among the most explosive and consistent scorers.

When he led the ACC in scoring, Burton was used on a whopping 33.4% of Notre Dame’s possessions, taking 36% of the team’s shots, both good for top 15 nationally. He also managed an assist rate of 22.2% that year, as basically the only thing Micah Shrewsberry had going on offense that year.

With more of a supporting cast around him, Burton won’t be expected to create everything for himself, which should allow him to develop as a passer. As a freshman, his usage rate was 33.4%, but he had an assist rate of 35% that year, showing that he can be a threat as a distributor and scorer.

One thing that stands out watching Burton’s offensive tape is the ease with which he can play at different speeds, never appearing too rushed or casual for the play that’s developing in front of him. He can lead the break, half-court offense, and improvise with a high screen, all with a turnover rate under 20% despite his high usage.