For Justin Burrell, his first professional season was not about himself despite his personal success on the court.

The former St. Johns University standout earned Most Valuable Player honors in the Japanese Professional League with the Yokohama B-Corsairs. He led the club to a 31-21 record by averaging a double double of 18 points and 10 rebounds per contest. Yokohama reached the leagues semifinals as an expansion club.

It was more impressive for us as a team, Burrell said. Making the final four, that was better for us.

He described his venture overseas as a humbling and eye-opening experience, a chance to see the rest of the world. When Burrell returned to the states, he received an invite to play with the Golden State Warriors summer league team in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-8, 244-pound forward put forth a strong showing, averaging 6.2 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per contest. His play earned him a training camp invite, but he may not attend if doesnt look like the Warriors have a spot for him on their roster.

Robert Cole

/former St. John's standout Justin Burrell has a training camp invite from the Golden State Warriors.

The summer league is a great experience, said Burrell, the Big Easts Sixth Man of the Year as a senior. Its great competing against pro athletes.

The rest of the summer has been spent back on the New York City streetball circuit playing in leagues like Nike Pro City with defending champion The Franchise. He played in the Malone Mulhall Benefit Game last Saturday and electrified the crowd with a series of slams.

Burrell was also selected to be a member of Team Nike 2, the sports equipment companies second collection of streetball all stars, that competes at Rivington Court on the East Side. The squad completed a doubleheader sweep of Team Harlem and Ooh-Way Monday night, something Burrell felt the team needed.

Justin did all the intangibles for us, Team Nike 2 coach Raheem (Rah) Wiggins said. He did the dirty work."

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Big year continues for former St. John's star Burrell after MVP, summer league invite