Chatham, VA–Hargrave Military Academy and the Postgraduate Basketball program are excited to announce the return of Austin Burnette, Class of 2016, to Chatham as a member of the Postgraduate Basketball coaching staff. Burnette was a member of the 2015-16 Postgraduate Basketball team that amassed a 47-1 overall record and secured the program’s third National Prep Championship under Hall of Fame Coach A.W. Hamilton.
Burnette is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina and grew up playing for the prolific Garner Road Basketball Club, that has produced a number of talented players such as Postgradute Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA standout David West ’98 and current Postgraduate Basketball stud Will Felton ’21, among many others. Prior to attending Hargrave, Burnette was a star at Broughton High School in Raleigh. During his high school career, Burnette was a two-time Cap-8 All-Conference and Academic All-Conference performer and led his team to a 43-10 overall record during his junior and senior seasons. Before attending Broughton, Burnette was a standout at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh where he garnered Academic All-Conference honors for two years.
When asked about his time at Hargrave, Burnette remarked, “I was grateful enough to join a family and be a part of greatness at Hargrave Military Academy for my postgraduate year. This year helped mold me and sharpen my dedication to the craft of basketball but also discipline in my life. I was able to develop and implement my strong work ethic and leadership skills into everyday activities within a rigorous schedule. Hargrave Military Academy taught me many things but most importantly to ‘Dream Big'”.
Burnette dreamed big and followed those dreams to Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. As a member of the Men’s Basketball team, Burnette enjoyed a very successful playing career that resulted in numerous team championships, including the 2019 Big South Conference regular season championship during his junior season. Burnette, just like during his prep career, was lauded as a member of the Big South Conference Presidential Honor Roll during his junior year as recognition for the work Burnette did not only on the court but in the classroom as well.
Upon earning his degree in Sport Management from Campbell University, Burnette ventured out into the coaching world at the collegiate level. Burnette began his coaching career as a Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia. The University of North Georgia is an NCAA Division 2 program that competes in the fast-paced and highly competitive Peach Belt Conference. During his time at North Georgia, Burnette took on the roles of player development, scouting, and operations providing a well-rounded experience for the first year coach.
After one season at the University of North Georgia, Burnette was hired at Florida International University as a Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant Coach. Florida International University, an NCAA Division 1 institution, competes in Conference-USA and is located in Miami, Florida. As a Graduate Assistant, Burnette was able to further his basketball and academic education, as he obtained a Masters of Science in Hospitality Management while at Florida International. Additionally, Burnette was tasked with operations tasks, scouting, and player development sessions as a member of the Men’s Basketball staff. Burnette was also able to build on the recruiting practices he learned at North Georgia, by assistant Florida International’s recruiting coordinator in all efforts to further the recruiting process of prospective student-athletes.
Burnette brings a depth of experience, both as a player and as a coach at the highest levels, an enthusiasm for the game of basketball, and a passion for helping and mentoring young men to his new position on Head Coach Thomas Messinger’s staff. “Austin is one of my favorite players that I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching. His character and work ethic stand out amongst his peers, and he also has an incredibly sharp basketball mind. He is a rising star in the coaching profession and we are all lucky to have him with us at Hargrave. We can’t wait to welcome him home!”
“I’m excited to be heading home to Hargrave,” stated Burnette, “let’s get to work!”
