NC State center DJ Burns announces decision to return for 2023 24

DJ Burns' Dominance Continues: Dunking & Dazzling In South Korea!

NC State center DJ Burns announces decision to return for 2023 24

By  Uriah Skiles

Can a player truly dominate on the court, transcending borders and expectations? DJ Burns Jr., the name that echoed through the NCAA tournament and now resonates in the Korean Basketball League, is proving that the answer is a resounding yes.

The journey of DJ Burns Jr. is a testament to perseverance, skill, and an undeniable presence that captivates audiences. His professional basketball career officially commenced on a Monday in South Korea, and the initial reports are electrifying: he's dunking on everyone. This emphatic beginning is a continuation of a narrative built upon a foundation of dominance, which has defined his playing style since his days at North Carolina State University. Burns, the "former March Madness legend," as he's now known, brings to the court a physical presence that is significantly larger than most of his teammates, an advantage he has skillfully leveraged throughout his career. His recent move to the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League marks the latest chapter in his burgeoning career, a move that followed his stint in the NBA Summer League. Beyond his physical attributes, Burns showcases a remarkable ability to adapt and excel, evident in his scoring prowess.

CategoryDetails
Full Name DJ Burns Jr.
Date of Birth October 13, 2000
Place of Birth Rock Hill, SC, USA
Height 6'9"
Position Forward/Center
College Tennessee, Winthrop, North Carolina State University (Graduated 2024)
Current Team Goyang Sono Skygunners (KBL)
Key Achievements ACC Tournament MVP (2024), South Region MVP (2024), Led NC State to Final Four
Professional Debut Goyang Sono Skygunners (KBL)
Key Skills Post Scoring, Rebounding, Passing
Playing Style Powerful, Skilled, Adaptable
Reference Website NC State Athletics

His impact extends beyond statistics; he's a player who ignites a passion in fans, as demonstrated by the outpouring of support he received when the North Carolina State men's basketball team departed on a bus on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, bound for the Final Four. Burns's journey from the college courts to the professional arena is a story of transformation and dedication. Burns, however, has faced the challenges that come with the spotlight, and shared that he didn't enjoy March Madness as much as he should have. The player's pre-game routines and mindset adjustments are a testament to his professionalism.

Burns's time with the Wolfpack was nothing short of electrifying. He orchestrated a memorable run that led them to the Final Four, where they eventually lost to Purdue in a national semifinal game held in Arizona. Prior to that, Burns led the Wolfpack to their first ACC tournament championship since 1987. In the 2024 tournament, Burns showcased his scoring ability, averaging 16.2 points and 4.2 rebounds, earning both ACC and South Region MVP honors. This performance cemented his status as a dominant force in college basketball and a leader capable of rising to the occasion under pressure. As a former NC State star and March Madness cinderella, he will play in South Korea after his NBA summer league stint.

The transition to the professional level wasn't without its adjustments. In preparation for the 2024 NBA Draft, Burns focused on his physical conditioning, notably shedding 45 pounds, as he had not received an invite to the NBA draft combine. This was part of a larger strategy to enhance his game for the demands of the professional leagues. Though he went undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, Burns ultimately signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers as an undrafted free agent on Thursday. This underscored his determination and resilience, two qualities that have been apparent throughout his career. Then, Burns signed with the Goyang Sono Skygunners of the Korean Basketball League, the team announced. He will play at center for the team, utilizing his size and power to the fullest.

In the aftermath of the 2024 NBA Draft, which saw Burns's name surprisingly uncalled, the focus shifted to the undrafted free agent signing period. NC State fans and analysts alike were taken aback when Burns was not selected, but he continued to work hard, demonstrating that he hasn't let that stop him from putting in the work. His determination underscores a commitment to continuous improvement, a key trait for success in the competitive world of professional basketball. The former NC State star, who had blossomed into one of college basketball's biggest stars when he helped lead the Wolfpack on a memorable NCAA tournament run, is now a professional player, taking the next step in his basketball journey. Multiple sources have confirmed that Burns has signed a deal with the Goyang Sono Skygunners.

Burns's journey has seen him play for multiple schools, including Tennessee and Winthrop, before finding his place at NC State. He is averaging 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his last six games. Through each stop, Burns demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the game, constantly honing his skills and adapting to new environments. His evolution from redshirting at Tennessee to becoming a leading scorer and efficient player at Winthrop speaks volumes about his growth and dedication. His skill has been on full display, as he showed his size and power with a vicious dunk in his first exhibition game, proving that his athleticism and dominance have translated well to the professional arena.

Burns's impact extends beyond statistics; his presence on the court commands attention. From their courtside seats in the Lenovo Center on Saturday, ACC champs and 2024 Final Four NC State basketball gems DJ Burns, DJ Horne, and Casey Morsell played a part in igniting the end of the tournament. Burns has a rare moment when the lights and the cameras werent around on Saturday afternoon. The 6' 9'' forward was a big reason why the Wolfpack were able to get into the big dance by winning the ACC tournament. Burns's journey from college standout to professional player embodies the spirit of perseverance and the thrill of chasing dreams. His path serves as an inspiration, showcasing the rewards that come from hard work, adaptability, and an unyielding passion for the game.

NC State center DJ Burns announces decision to return for 2023 24
NC State center DJ Burns announces decision to return for 2023 24

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March Madness darling DJ Burns of NC State basketball can't hide from
March Madness darling DJ Burns of NC State basketball can't hide from

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DJ Burns dominiert March Madness NFL Interesse an Basketball Talent?
DJ Burns dominiert March Madness NFL Interesse an Basketball Talent?

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