However, the 6-6 freshman plays like a man.

As far as Colorado coach Jeff Bzdelik is concerned, his prize recruit is ready for the rugged Big 12. Burks and the Buffs open conference play on Saturday against No. 2 Texas.

"It`s not for kids," Burks said when asked what veteran teammates have told him about the conference. "It`s for grown men out there."

Burks` overall game is more evolved than Cory Higgins` game was as a freshman two years ago. It`s still early in his career, but so far Burks appears to be an even better version of Richard Roby.

During CU`s 67-65 victory over Miami (Ohio) on Tuesday night at the Coors Events Center, Burks led the home team in points (17), rebounding (10) and assists (three).

"I would bet he is (ready for the Big 12)," Bzdelik said. "He`s a very talented young man."

Burks was the only bright spot in last Saturday`s 84-59 loss at Tulsa, finishing with a team-high 17 points and eight rebounds.

On the trail

The current Buffs will not

practice today because Bzdelik and associate head coach Steve McClain are both making recruiting trips.

CU`s coaching staff is hoping to add an experienced big man -- likely a junior college transfer -- to the roster during the spring signing period in May.

Looking Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe is already walking without crutches. The promising freshman point guard`s rehabilitation from microfracture surgery is on schedule and he should be back on the court playing again in April.

Five minutes into the first practice of the season, Sharpe suffered a season-ending knee injury. Bzdelik had planned to split the minutes at the point between Sharpe and sophomore Nate Tomlinson this season.

Notable

CU is 8-0 at home for the first time since the 1982-83 season when the team won its first nine games at the Coors Events Center. ... Dwight Thorne played his 100th career game. CU`s only senior was 3-for-4 behind the arc with 14 points. ... CU is 6-0 when four of the five starters net double-digits and 7-1 when shooting better than 50 percent from the field.