Jan 30, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 110-100. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz point guard Trey Burke has been a busy man since the end of the 2014-15 NBA season. He’s partied with fans in the Philippines, he’s gone head to head with legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo in South Africa and, all the while, he’s worked hard to become a better player.

Following four days of hooping at his youth basketball camp in Michigan, the former Wolverine spoke with Lauren Beasley on a myriad of topics, including his fabled invite to the USA Basketball minicamp, the Dante Exum injury and his team’s quest to crack the code in the Western Conference playoff picture–

Concerning the Exum situation, the team’s former (and presumably future) starting point guard said that the ACL injury is the kind of adversity that will help his backcourt mate grow as a player. He also talked about the responsibility of both himself and his teammates to encourage the 20-year-old throughout the rehab process.

On the team’s potential return to the NBA Playoffs, Burke seemed fired up about the team’s chances and spoke on the strides made last season. Exum’s injury notwithstanding, I find it hard to disagree with him.

This confidence in himself and in his team is a big reason why I can envision Burke finding his feet as an NBA player next season. While it’s been a roller coaster ride thus far, the 2013 John R. Wooden Award winner has the swagger befitting a bona fide floor general.

With Burke’s rigorous efforts to elevate his skill set and a little luck, the Jazz may yet survive what could potentially be an entire year without their Aussie sensation.