Azusa Pacific University Athletics

THIS YEAR: One of the top impact newcomers to the NAIA this year, junior center Dave Burgess gives Azusa Pacific its best physical presence under the basket in many years ... Smart player who makes things happen with the ball in his hands ... Has a great shooting touch but is also a quality passer and sees the floor well ... Noted for his work ethic ... Will push for postseason honors.

GONZAGA: Played the second half of his 2007 sophomore season at Gonzaga University after complying with NCAA transfer rules ... Appeared in just 6 games, collecting 6 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes of play for the 23-11 Zags.

BYU: Signed with BYU out of high school ... Missed nearly the entire 2005 freshman season after undergoing early-season surgery on both ankles ... Appeared in 2 games, playing 7 minutes against North Carolina and California before receiving a medical hardship from the NCAA ... As a 2006 redshirt freshman, appeared in 3 of the Cougars’ first 7 games, tallying 2 points and 5 rebounds in 15 minutes of action ... At semester break, transferred to Gonzaga.

HIGH SCHOOL: One of just 3 players ever to letter 4 years in varsity basketball at Woodbridge High in Irvine, Calif. ... Was a 2-time all-state honoree, including first team recognition as a 2004 senior when he averaged 19 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists ... Was all-state third team as a 2003 junior, averaging 16.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2 blocks ... Was also a 2-time All-Orange County and All-CIF pick ... Also collected All-CIF third team honors as a 2002 sophomore, averaging 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks ... Was the nation’s No. 14-ranked prep center in 2004 by Rivals.com.

PERSONAL: Born Feb. 14, 1986, to Ken and Sandi Burgess ... Has an older brother (Chris, played basketball 2 years at Duke and 2 years at Utah, and is currently playing professionally overseas) and a sister (Angela, who played basketball at BYU).