Son of a Gunner

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Being the son of a former Harlem Globetrotter was never something for John Burrell to brag about to his basketball buddies.

In fact, it works the other way for Burrell, whose Cal State Northridge teammates delight in calling him “Chico” while cheering him on during his torrid scoring streak.

Burrell, a senior guard and proven scorer, has little to say about his father, Stan “Chico” Burrell, who played for the Globetrotters during the 1950s and 60s, and was a teammate of Globetrotter greats Goose Tatum and Sweetwater Clifton.

Burrell’s parents split when he was a toddler and he grew up barely knowing his father. Burrell candidly admits he hasn’t seen his father in several years and can’t recall the last time his dad watched him play. But he said he long ago made peace with their relationship.

“I’ve never been real close to my dad,” Burrell said. “It’s not really a sore spot or anything. It’s something I’m kind of used to. There are no hard feelings or anything because he’s never been big in my life. He’s doing his thing and I’m doing mine.”

Burrell is busy with basketball. Northridge (9-6) will try to go 3-0 in Big Sky Conference play tonight against Northern Arizona (7-6, 1-1) in a rematch of last season’s Big Sky tournament final.

If the Matadors are to fulfill predictions of winning a Big Sky title, Burrell, who has scored 55 points in the last two games, figures to be a big reason.

He might not have learned any tricks of the trade from his father, but Burrell, averaging 15.4 points, has emerged as one of the Big Sky’s best all-around players. His shooting range is impressive and he exudes confidence and experience on the court.

“The coaches know that I’m a scorer,” Burrell said. “They have a lot of confidence in me to put the ball in my hands.”

Guard Markus Carr grew up with Burrell in Palmdale but only learned recently that Burrell’s father was a Globetrotter.

“He never really talked about it as we grew up,” Carr said. “There was a little article in the local paper once and I saw it and asked him about it.”

Those close to Burrell know him better as a family man.

Burrell, 23, is one of two married Matador players--Carl Holmes is the other--and the father of daughters Jazmine, 4, and Jayda, 2.

Family ties were the biggest reason Burrell transferred two years ago from Nevada, despite leading the Wolfpack in scoring his junior season.

An All-Southern Section guard for Highland High, Burrell played one season at Antelope Valley College and planned to have his wife Kamiko and their children join him in Reno after he transferred to Nevada.

Instead, Burrell spent nine months apart from his family.

“It was murder,” he said. “She was planning to move but I couldn’t get her up there at the time. Talking on the phone every night. . .”

Northridge has been ideal for Burrell. After redshirting last season because of NCAA transfer rules, Burrell has become a welcome addition to the Matadors.

Northridge Coach Bobby Braswell said early in the season that Burrell is among the purest scorers he has seen. Burrell has come through, posting high percentages in three-point and free-throw shooting.

“He has a lot of basketball savvy,” Braswell said. “He adapts to whatever the situation might be. It’s worked out wonderfully for him.”

Especially being reunited with his family.

John and Kamiko, who live in Palmdale, were high school sweethearts and have been together nine years, the last three as husband and wife. The couple admits it is a struggle at times.

“We have our tough times, but we work through them,” Kamiko said.

“We started early, so we’ve pretty much grown up together. I think that’s why we’re so close because my mom and dad split too when I was young. That’s not where we want our family to go at all. John really wants to be with his family and I really think he’s a good man.”

Kamiko works full time in retail sales while John expects to graduate in May with a dual degree in psychology and Pan-African studies. He is considering earning a master’s degree and starting a career in counseling.

Burrell was required to complete 43 units before becoming eligible this season. He has kept up his grades along with his scoring average.

Not that it has been easy. Burrell at times has brought his daughters to practice when a baby-sitter wasn’t available. He is proud to play before his wife and family during home games.

“I bring my girls to the games,” he said.

As for his father, Burrell said he would welcome a visit. Burrell said his father, who lives in West Covina, receives updates on Burrell’s career from his son Stan, John’s older brother.

“My older brother brags about me,” Burrell said. “If [my father] called today, I’d be glad to talk to him.”

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BIG SKY MATCHUP

Northridge takes on Northern Arizona. D8