SLIPPERY ROCK — Jade Burka might not be the most talented player on the Slippery Rock University men's basketball roster.

But he's seen the most.

The Butler and SRU graduate returned to The Rock to fulfill his final year of eligibility.

The 6-foot-7 post player earned a degree in public relations and served an internship for University Direction in Chapel Hill, N.C., over the summer.

"I was the sales team leader in the Slippery Rock area," Burka said. "It was good work and it led to a job offer."

Burka had two other job offers and spurned them both to return to The Rock for graduate school — and for his final year of basketball.

"It was tough, turning away opportunities to work in the field of my choice," Burka admitted. "But this is also the last chance I'll ever get to put on this uniform and try to accomplish something special with my friends on this basketball team.

"I'll be working all of my life. I didn't want to look back 10 years from now and tell myself I should have played that one last year.

"There will be no wondering what would have happened. I'm gonna be here when it happens," Burka added.

It's not like Burka is wasting his time. He's working on a graduate degree in criminology, leaving open the possibility of returning to Summit Academy or George Junior Republic, schools for court adjudicated youths where he's worked part time before.

"I enjoyed that work, too," he said. "I'm just expanding my options."

Burka's numbers were modest last year: 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game coming off the bench. He likely will fill the same role again.

But Burka played on the SRU team that won 21 games and reached the PSAC semifinals two years ago. He also played on the team that won seven games and finished near the bottom of the league the year before coach Kevin Reynolds arrived.

Burka originally came to SRU as a walk-on trying to make the football team as a tight end or defensive lineman. He switched to basketball his first year on campus.

This year, he's playing on scholarship for the first time.

"I've enjoyed the ride, up and down as it may have been," he said, smiling.

"We're excited to have him back," Reynolds said. "Jade will play a key role on this team. His experience will be valuable to us."

Burka said he may lead in terms of knowledge more than on-court production.

"I'm far from the most talented player here," he said. "I guess I can provide some wisdom to the younger players through my experiences."

<B>Western Division</B>1. Indiana (7)2. Clarion (1)3. California4. Gannon5. Slippery Rock6. Mercyhurst7. Edinboro8. Lock Haven<B>Eastern Division</B>1. East Stroudsburg (4)2. Mansfield (1)3. Kutztown (2)4. Cheyney5. West Chester6. Bloomsburg7. Shippensburg8. Millersville<B>PreseasonAll-PSAC West</B>Jabril Bailey (Slippery Rock), Maron Brown (Slippery Rock), Jamar Harrison (Clarion), Lloyd Harrison (Clarion), Byron Knight (Edinboro), Julian Sanders (IUP), Darryl Webb (IUP)<B>PreseasonAll-PSAC East</B>Sharif Bray (Cheyney), Eric Brennan (Kutztown), Yuseff Carr (Mansfield), Julius Gray (Kutztown), Kehinde Roberts (West Chester), Larry Webster (Bloomsburg)