MANILA, Philippines - One of the 51 rookie aspirants in Sunday’s 2009 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft is promising 6-foot-6 swingman Michael Andre Burtscher.
Burtscher, a 24-year-old Fil-Swiss who played for two conferences for Forward Taguig in Liga Filipinas last year, is an athletic big man who loves to play defense with aggression and passion.
“It’s anybody’s dream to play in the PBA, so I’m very happy that I made it to the draft list,” said Burtscher, who is managed by businessman-sportsman Alven Torres.
“I’m willing to give my 100 percent performance to the team that will pick me on the draft day.”
The Draft day will be held at the Market! Market! Place in the Fort Taguig City
Torres, who owns A.T. Talents Internationale Management and part of the Torres Group of Companies, is also the manager of Chito Jaime of Sta. Lucia Realtors and 6-foot-6 Michael Galinato of Adamson University.
“I’m sure Mike (Burtscher) is a great asset to any team because of his work ethics and skills,” said Torres. “He is always willing to learn and constantly works hard to improve his game. Physically, he possesses long arms and legs. He is also a high leaper.”
Burtscher can play open basketball, where he loves to run fast and score through drives and jump shots. He is also a good rebounder and blocker due to his height and leaping ability.
Before playing for Liga Filipinas, Burtscher also played for various teams in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) like Cebuana Lhuillier, Pharex and Noosa Shoes.
Burtscher, Torres said, is an active Christian just like other athletes like two-time MVP Kelly Williams who are motivated everyday by their prayers and usually do their bible study every week.
Torres hired conditioning coach Kirk Collier and Coach John Aquino to improve Burtscher’s lateral movement, footwork and especially his game.