‘J-Dubb’ makes the jump to Milligan University

Owen standout Jack Wesley Burk wants to see how far basketball can take him

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 28, 2025

Owen senior Jack Wesley Burk will continue his basketball career at Milligan University. Photo by Fred McCormick

When Jack Wesley Burk first stepped onto the basketball court at Owen High School as a sophomore, he quickly learned two things.

“I knew I was going to have to get really serious about this game,” he said. “And, I definitely wanted to see how far basketball could take me.”

Two years later, after helping lead the Warhorses to their best season in nearly a decade, the senior will continue his basketball journey at Milligan University.

Burk, known to his teammates and Owen basketball fans as “J-Dubb,” developed into a consistent scoring threat as a junior and senior, notching double-digit scoring efforts in 43 of 49 contest. The 6-foot-4-inch forward averaged 16.2 points per game last season, as the Warhorses finished 19-7 while advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

He finished his Owen career with more than 750 career points and nearly 200 rebounds. A reliable offensive weapon for Owen throughout his playing career, Burk hit or eclipsed 20 points in 19 games. He posted a career-high 29 points last January in a home contest against Mitchell.

The opportunity to continue his basketball career at Milligan University, where he will join Warhorse teammate Eli Lewkowicz, was a goal for Burk.

“It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders,” he said. “The whole process of recruiting is a lot to deal with, and honestly it was a little overwhelming. So, putting the pen on that paper, knowing I have a place to call home next year, was a tremendous feeling.”

The milestone caps a high school playing career that began to flourish after his first year on the court.

Jack Wesley Burk, surrounded by his parents, Jason and Hope, signs with Milligan University. Photo courtesy of Owen Athletics

“I started taking it more seriously in my junior year,” Burk said. “Coming into that season I could feel myself scoring more points, making better plays and developing as a player.”

That realization gave him the confidence to push himself on the court.

“Once I started understanding that I could match up against better competition, I thought basketball could be something for me,” Burk said. “From there, it was all about working on the things I needed to do to improve.”

Surrounded by a core of young players, Burk and the Warhorses “turned a corner” in 2024-25, establishing a winning culture within the program.

“We knew he had the potential to do something special last season,” he said. “We just had a great group of guys and our team really felt like a family. I think being a part of that team really helped me grow, as a player, and that experience is something I’ll never forget.”

His experience as a Warhorse influenced Burk’s decision to sign with the Buffaloes, who finished last season with a 22-10 record.

“I was really impressed by the family-like atmosphere they have there,” Burk said. “The coaches are great, and Milligan University has a beautiful campus, so in a lot of ways it felt like home.”

He plans to bring a high level of effort to the Milligan program.

“I want to be the hardest working guy in the room,” Burk said. “One of my biggest takeaways from my time here has been the importance of perseverance. No matter how challenging things can get, you have to keep grinding and focus on getting better.”