Burnell arrives in Milan for his Euroleague debut

Jason Burnell begins a new chapter in his professional career after finalizing his move to Olimpia Milano. The American forward, born on August 15, 1997, in DeLand, Florida, has reached a multi-year agreement that will see him compete in the EuroLeague for the first time in his career. Coming from Germani Brescia, where he spent the last three seasons, Burnell brings experience in Italian basketball and a noticeable progression in his stats.

A career marked by constant growth

Burnell's trajectory reflects a gradual evolution from his beginnings in American collegiate basketball. He started at DeLand High School before transferring to Providence School in Jacksonville for his final year. In the 2015-16 season, he played at Georgia Southern, but after just one season, he decided to change course and joined St. Petersburg College, where he shone with averages of 20.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. This performance earned him the Conference Sun Coast Player of the Year award.

His next stop was Jacksonville State in 2017, where he continued his development. In his first year, he averaged 11.2 points per game, while in the second year, he significantly increased his stats to 17.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, leading to his selection for the Ohio Valley Conference First Team.

Establishment in Italian professional basketball

After completing his collegiate career, Burnell decided to try his luck in Europe. He made his professional debut in Italy with Cantù, averaging 11.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. In 2020, he moved to Sassari, where he improved his numbers to 12.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, showing notable efficiency in two-point shooting at 60.3 percent. The following season, he remained with the same club but with slightly lower figures: 8.4 points and 5.7 rebounds.

The 2022-23 season took him to Brindisi, where he maintained a consistent level with averages of 10.0 points and 5.7 rebounds. However, his most significant growth occurred in Brescia over the last three years. In his first season with the Lombard club, he averaged 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds; in the second, he improved to 12.0 points and 4.8 rebounds; and in the 2025-26 season, he reached his peak performance with 14.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, earning him the Italian league's Sixth Man of the Year award.

Renewed excitement in Milano

Burnell himself has expressed his enthusiasm for this new opportunity. In statements made after the agreement was confirmed, the player said, "I am very excited for my family and what this new chapter in Milano means for all of us. I am already looking forward to the new season to give my all for my teammates, coaches, and the fans."

His arrival at Olimpia Milano represents a qualitative leap in his career, accessing the EuroLeague after demonstrating his worth in the Italian Serie A for several years. The Milanese team is betting on a player who has shown clear progression in recent seasons and who has experience in high-level European basketball. The multi-year deal reflects the club's confidence in the abilities of the American forward to contribute to the team's goals in the upcoming seasons.

A versatile profile for the Milanese project

Burnell arrives in Milano as a versatile player capable of performing in various perimeter positions, with the ability to score from outside and a strong presence in defensive interior play. His rebounding numbers in the last season, especially considering his role as a sixth man, underscore his commitment in both phases of the game. The combination of previous Italian experience, offensive progress in recent years, and defensive versatility makes him a signing aimed at enhancing Olimpia's competitiveness in the EuroLeague.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Burnell llega al Milán para su debut en Euroliga