Caleb Burton joined the McKendree University Men’s Basketball staff in 2026 as a Graduate Assistant Coach following a four-year collegiate playing career at Black Hawk College and McKendree University. A native of Southern Illinois, Burton graduated from O'Fallon Township High School and began his college basketball career at Black Hawk College, where he established himself as a productive guard before continuing his career at McKendree.
Burton spent two seasons at Black Hawk College from 2022-24. As a freshman in 2022-23, he started 19 of 23 games and averaged 13.9 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He scored in double figures in 19 games and shot 35.9 percent from three-point range. As a sophomore, Burton appeared in 14 games and started 13, averaging 11.5 points and 2.2 assists per game. He reached double figures eight times while continuing to contribute as a playmaking guard.
Burton transferred to McKendree University for the 2024-25 season and competed for the Bearcats for two seasons. During his McKendree career, he developed into a valuable veteran presence for a program that competed at the NCAA Division II level. In 2025-26, Burton appeared in 25 contests and averaged 3.8 points and 1.4 rebounds per game while shooting 44.3 percent from the field. He scored in double figures twice, including a career-best 18-point performance against Upper Iowa University on February 19, 2026.
From 2018-2021, Burton played for the Southwest Illinois Jets AAU club.
Burton was recognized for his accomplishments on and off the court, earning the GLVC James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Individual Award and GLVC All-Academic honors in 2025-26. Over the course of his collegiate career, he competed in 46 games between Black Hawk and McKendree and established career highs of 31 points, six assists, four steals, and two blocks.
Following the conclusion of his playing career, Burton transitioned into coaching and joined Head Coach George Suggs’ staff at McKendree as a Graduate Assistant Coach in 2026. In his new role, Burton brings firsthand experience from both the NJCAA and NCAA Division II levels and has the opportunity to work with the same program in which he completed his collegiate playing career.
Burton is currently earning his degree in Computer Information from McKendree University. His playing career, experience at two levels of college basketball, and familiarity with the McKendree program provide him with a strong foundation as he begins his coaching career.
"Caleb obviously knows our program well, and we feel very fortunate that he wants to remain a part of it in this new role, As a player, he was tough, competitive, and passionate about the success of others. My expectation is that he continues to bring all those same qualities in his new role on our staff. He knows as well as anyone what it takes to be successful in our program, and it is my hope he can pass those lessons on to our current and future players." - McKendree Head Men's Basketball Coach George Suggs
Updated 09/09/2026
