Every summer since his high school freshman year at Chinle, Cooper Burbank became accustomed to competing against top, quality prep basketball programs in team camps and tournaments in Tucson.

Burbank joins Northern Elite club basketball teammate, Quinn Atazhoon, a Gallup (New Mexico) High School graduate, at Pima Community College.

Northern Elite club basketball coach Rick Destea, of Saint Michaels, Arizona, said Quinn (Atazhoon) and Cooper (Burbank) are both committed to Pima Community College.

"We are very proud of them," Destea said. "They both have been a part of our Northern Elite club basketball program since middle school."

Burbank. a 6-3 shooting guard, will call Tucson home for the next two years, as he will don Pima Community College's uniform. As a go-to player for Chinle, Burbank rattled the cages for 23 points per outing this past year.

"Tucson has been a place I've been enjoying these past summers playing," Burbank said. "Every summer, (Chinle) coach (Raul) Mendoza took us (Chinle) down and we competed in some tough games. I enjoyed the area. The school (Pima Community College) also was the only school that was interested in me. I had interest in the program (Pima Community College) and school as well. This was a two-way thing, which I liked."

Burbank said he hasn't signed a letter-of-intent, but plans to sign at Pima Community College when the school opens back up. Burbank made a verbal commitment on April 26.

"I haven't signed yet because of the epidemic that is among us right now," Burbank said. "I will receive my letter soon. It was a relief to finally come to a decision on where to go (to school and play college basketball)."

Burbank was Chinle's go-to player since his freshman year. As a freshman, Burbank earned 3A North All-Region Honorable Mention, when he scored 11 points per game for the Wildcats.

Burbank matured as a player, developing into a strong offensive and defensive stalwart as a sophomore at Chinle. Burbank was voted 3A North Region Offensive Player of Year honor. Burbank poured in 15 points per outing for the Wildcats.

Burbank's leadership proved to be tops in the 3A North Region during his junior year. Burbank was voted the region player of the year, as well as first team 3A conference laurels, when he canned 20 points per game.

Burbank turned in a stellar senior year. Post season accolades pour in for Burbank. Burbank was voted 3A North Region Player of the Year, first team 3A conference and third team All-Arizona Conference. Burbank rattled the cages for 23 points per game. Burbank poured in 42 points against Paradise Honors for his high school career best.

Burbank said Pima Community College was the highest on his list of colleges he wanted to continue his education and basketball.

:I really wanted to go at a high level," Burbank said. "I know if I didn't have basketball, it would be very hard for me."

Burbank said he had colleges in Phoenix area and some colleges across the country that were interested in him. Burbank wasi one of his best offers he received to play for was Villanova.

"I very much enjoyed the opportunity that was given, but I was told I wouldn't see playing time until maybe two years," Burbank said. "I knew if I began somewhere I can play. I could develop way more than I would somewhere I don't see much playing time."

Burbank said he is excited and will work hard at any of the position(s) Pima Community College head coach Brian Peabody plays him.

"Whatever (position) I am assigned on the team, I know I'll do the best I can," Burbank said.

Burbank said Pima Community College head coach Brian Peabody has had talented and skilled (NCAA) DI players play for him.

"He (coach Brian Peabody) has produced some of the best shooters in junior college," Burbank said. "Coach Peavbody has had great talent come out of his program overall. The program has a structured style and that is very high of my interest."

At Pima Community College, Burbank said he will play at the best level he can.

"I will be playing in a new area," Burbank said. "I want to be performing at the level I vision myself at. I want to build a whole new skill set which I'll take to another level. My ultimate goal is to be step into a higher level of myself. Ultimately, I want to obtain my education at my time being there."

Burbank concluded, "After finishing at Pima, I want to know I increased myself in knowledge and in skills of the game of basketball."