In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with former NBA player and University of Minnesota athletic Hall of Famer, Willie Burton about his professional basketball career and the legacy he created in the Twin Cities during the late 80s and early 90s.
Willie also discusses his committment to mental health and wellness and how it led to the creation of his company Excel U, a university-measured program that empowers student-athletes.
About Willie:
Willie Burton is a former NBA player, keynote speaker, and educator.
Selected 9th overall by the Miami Heat in the 1990 NBA Draft, Burton enjoyed an extensive career in the NBA playing for teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, and Charlotte Hornets.
Prior to the NBA, Burton had a successful four-year career at the University of Minnesota where his Golden Gopher teams reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight.
He was twice an All-Big Ten selection and team MVP three consecutive years during his time at the University of Minnesota.
In 2013, Burton was inducted into the University of Minnesota athletic Hall of Fame. His #34 jersey was late retired in 2020.
Burton is also the founder of the evidence-based behavorial change curriculum ExcelU. This university-measured program empowers students, student-athletes and the adults who guide them.
Designed for grades K-12, ExcelU works in partnership with Starr Commonwealth and NASA Institute for Space Studies.
Currently, Willie is on the Board of Directors at the Michigan Physical Fitness Foundation, and in 2020 was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Governors Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports. In January 2021, Mr. Burton received his Certification from NYU in Fundamentals of f Global Sports Management.
He holds degree from the University of Minnesota and Wayne State University.
Connect with Willie:
Website: Excel U
Twitter: @WillieB32738946
Instagram: @willie34burton
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