Basketball fans are in love with NC State's DJ Burns and we're here for it
By Sam Fariss
NC State has taken down the newly-beloved Oakland Grizzlies and while Jack Gohlke’s Cinderella story has ended, at least DJ Burns Jr.’s run is alive and well.
Gohlke and DJ Burns are equally unstoppable despite completely opposite body types and skill sets, perfect sport
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) March 24, 2024
If Gohlke can’t go to the Sweet 16, at least DJ Burns can.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) March 24, 2024
The Wolfpack center has captured the attention and hearts of basketball fans nationwide, and we’re behind the movement.
In NC State’s 79-73 overtime win against Oakland, Burns had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
The untraditional star of the court has only amassed more notoriety as his career has continued.
"He's the man. You need to stop wasting time interviewing me and talk to DJ Burns."
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 24, 2024
-@PackMensBball Kevin Keatts pic.twitter.com/QGN2Iwsb4m
DJ BURNS 😤
— ACC Men's Basketball (@accmbb) March 24, 2024
🎥 @MarchMadnessMBB | TBS | @PackMensBball pic.twitter.com/gQRoYQJLGi
DJ Burns is a DAWG
— Gump Cathcart (@bubbagumpino) March 24, 2024
DJ Burns has been a fan favorite at NC State since transferring in 2022.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 24, 2024
He's the main event in Raleigh: taking photos on campus and dancing with kids after games.
Now, on the big stage, he's led the Wolfpack to the Sweet 16.
"We’re coming for everybody that’s in front of us." pic.twitter.com/VhFYht884l
Burns has averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this season. Throughout the postseason, he has averaged 16.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
DJ Burns' ability to pass out of the low post is second-to-none.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 24, 2024
Now averaging 16.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 3 APG in NC State's seven postseason games. https://t.co/kymuK9qETr
DJ Burns tonight: pic.twitter.com/FW6rbudQ4p
— huie (@callmehuie) March 24, 2024
NC STATE TO THE SWEET SIXTEEN 🚨
— Overtime (@overtime) March 24, 2024
DJ Burns: 24 PTS | 10 REB | 4 AST pic.twitter.com/LMVmLFpwVx
So far in the NCAA Tournament, the Wolfpack has taken out the No. 6 seed Texas Tech Raiders and No. 14 seed Oakland Grizzlies.
Burns started his collegiate career at Winthrop University before transferring to NC State in 2022.
NC State will face the Colorado versus Marquette matchup winner in the Sweet Sixteen.