Rochelle senior Garrett Burdin felt a small-town vibe when he recently visited the Loras College campus in Dubuque, Iowa. From the school to the community and the athletic program, Burdin said he believes Loras College will be the best fit for continuing his basketball career.

“The Loras College basketball program and community are like family and their academics fit my learning abilities,” Burdin said. “I’m looking forward to achieving another goal of mine, which is making the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament. I’m also looking forward to expanding my game and reaching new levels of success with four more years of work.”

A four-year member of the Rochelle Township High School basketball program, Burdin started for three seasons on the varsity team, earning All-Conference First Team recognition from the Interstate 8 as a senior. Burdin led the Hubs in scoring this season, averaging 19.2 points per game and shooting 37.4 percent from 3-point range. Burdin also eclipsed 1,000 career points.

“I’m so happy for Garrett,” Rochelle head coach Tim Thompson said. “Garrett’s goal has always been to play at the next level and I think he found a good fit with the Loras College program. I’m looking forward to watching him play in college and I wish him all the best.”

Burdin said he intends to study sports management as an undergraduate before attending graduate school to earn a master’s degree in business administration. Burdin said his goal is to become an athletic director for a small-town high school. A two-time Academic All-Conference honoree and IHSA Sectional 3-Point Shootout qualifier, Burdin will look to help the Loras College team push the pace while also bringing leadership and character to the court.

“RTHS has helped me prepare for college by preparing me in the classroom every day,” Burdin said. “My teachers and coaches have pushed me and challenged me to get to where I am today and I’m now prepared, both academically and athletically, for the next level. My role at Loras College will be to bring the ball up, control the tempo and be a main passer and scorer for the team. I also bring a strong rebounding and 3-point shooting as well as a high IQ for the game.”