February 25, 1980 — Antonio Burks, Memphis Point Guard, Is Born

Quick Facts

• Date of birth: February 25, 1980
• Place: Memphis, Tennessee
• High school: Booker T. Washington (Memphis)
• College: University of Memphis (2001–2004)
• Major honor: Conference USA Player of the Year (2004)
• NBA Draft: 2004, Round 2, Pick 36 by Orlando; rights traded to the Memphis Grizzlies
• NBA team: Memphis Grizzlies (2004–2006)

Main Story

On February 25, 1980, Antonio Cornell Burks was born in Memphis, Tennessee. A standout at Booker T. Washington High School, Burks stayed home to suit up for the University of Memphis, where he emerged as one of the Tigers’ most reliable floor generals. His senior season (2003–04) brought widespread recognition: Burks was named Conference USA Player of the Year and earned All-America honorable mention while leading the Tigers to another NCAA Tournament berth. He joined a short list of Memphis players to top 1,000 career points, 450 assists, and 170 steals, cementing his place in the program’s record book.

Drafted 36th overall in 2004 by the Orlando Magic and immediately dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies, Burks achieved the rare dream of playing professionally in his hometown. Across two seasons with the Grizzlies, he provided backcourt depth and steady minutes, carrying the grit-and-grind mentality that Memphis fans value. His journey—from neighborhood gyms to FedExForum—mirrors the city’s own perseverance and pride in local talent.

Legacy

Burks’s career helped strengthen the bridge between the Tigers and the Grizzlies, a connection at the heart of Bluff City basketball culture. He later served as an assistant coach at LeMoyne‑Owen College, continuing to invest in Memphis student‑athletes and the 901 community. For many Memphians, Burks exemplifies what it means to represent the city at every level—high school, college, and the pros—while remaining rooted in the community that raised him. His birthday is a fitting moment to honor a hometown guard whose path is woven into Memphis history, from neighborhood courts not far from Beale Street to the city’s largest stage.

https://www.nba.com/player/2766/antonio-burks, https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2428/antonio-burks, https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burksan01.html, https://gotigersgo.com/news/2004/3/10/Antonio_Burks_Named_Conference_USA_Player_Of_The_Year, https://gotigersgo.com/news/2004/6/24/Burks_Selected_By_Orlando_In_NBA_Draft_Second_Round_Rights_Dealt_To_Grizzlies, https://gotigersgo.com/news/2010/11/2/Memphis_Basketball_Exhibition_Game_1_Notes