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NC State Basketball: Impact of losing starting center Dusan Mahorcic to injury

By Austin Glasscox

Nov 29, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Dusan Mahorcic (11) dunks during the first half against William & Mary Tribe at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Dusan Mahorcic (11) dunks during the first half against William & Mary Tribe at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /
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D.J. Burns Jr. #30 of the Winthrop Eagles (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
D.J. Burns Jr. #30 of the Winthrop Eagles (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

D.J. Burns Jr.

The Winthrop transfer D.J. Burns will be the guy that will most likely take over as the starting center going forward for NC State.

Burns has been the best offensive post-playmaker so far this season averaging 7.4 points in only 16 minutes per game. His ability to get a bucket at any time in the post, forces opposing defenses to make a decision.

Do they bring help his way, which would open up opportunities for guards Terquavion Smith, and Casey Morsell to get open looks from distance, or do they play straight up and allow Burns to play bully ball with his 275-pound frame and just hope he misses? Burns will see an increase in his minutes going forward, the question is how many more minutes can he handle, and still be productive?

Burns so far this season has been most effective when he plays in 4-5 minute spurts because of his conditioning. With his minutes going up with the injury to Mahorcic will his body be able to handle the workload? Burns will have to be more consistent on the defensive end of the court, specifically on the pick-and-roll.

Teams will most likely go after him early and often on the defensive end in hopes to get him in early foul trouble. If Burns can stay out of foul trouble, and play longer minutes it would go a long way in keeping the positive momentum the Wolfpack have built heading into ACC play.

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