Willie Burnett III
#127"6’5 class of 2026 point guard"
Mississippi State
Scout Report
The Gillion Academy has become a breeding ground for elite talent, and one of their most promising combo guards has already secured his collegiate future.
Background
Willie Burnett III hails from Springfield, Virginia, and has found his basketball home at The Gillion Academy alongside a star-studded 2026 class. The academy environment has allowed him to develop his skills while competing against top-tier talent daily, including teammates Marcis Ponder (#68, committed to Florida State), Aaron McGee (#246, committed to Arkansas State), and Phenix Card (#314). This competitive atmosphere has helped shape his game and prepare him for the next level.
Playing Style
Standing 6-4, Burnett III possesses the ideal size for a modern combo guard who can play both backcourt positions effectively. His versatility allows him to handle point guard duties when needed while also excelling as a shooting guard in catch-and-shoot situations. The combination of his height and skill set makes him a matchup problem for opposing defenses, as he can see over smaller guards and has the quickness to stay with them defensively. His development at Gillion Academy suggests he has the basketball IQ and adaptability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level.
Recruitment
Burnett III's recruitment generated significant interest with eight Division I offers from programs including Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Florida State, Arkansas State, Western Kentucky, Hampton, Tennessee Martin, and George Mason. He ultimately chose to commit to Mississippi State, where his combo guard skill set should fit well in their system. Ranked #126 nationally in the 2026 class, he projects as a player who could develop into a key contributor for the Bulldogs.
Updated Feb 17, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Mississippi State
COLLEGE
Gillion Basketball Academy
PREP SCHOOL
Offers
8
Mississippi State
Committed
Chose Mississippi State over 7 other offers
Oklahoma State
Florida State
Arkansas State
Western KentuckySocial Activity
ELITE handles 🔥 @CityOfPalmsBKB Willie Burnett III is the 77th ranked player in the 2026 SC Next 100. https://x.com/SCNext/status/2002842349928644927/video/1
Willie Burnett III. 𝐃𝐀𝐖𝐆. #HailState | @Burnettwillie_ https://x.com/HailStateMBK/status/1989055617194144199/photo/1
Team Breakdown guard Willie Burnett has committed to Mississippi State 📌: @RossVDG14 @SHReport @Burnettwillie_ @WorldWideJp_ @GillionAcadTeam @TeamBreakdown https://t.co/YC9Nx0bbyN