DJ Burns Jr.: The Breakout Star of March – Unveiling the Tactical and Practical Choices
In a rare moment away from the lights and cameras, NC State’s center, DJ Burns Jr., spoke candidly about his desire to win above all else. When asked how he preferred to be defended, he responded, “I prefer winning. So however you come at me, I’m gonna do whatever it takes to win.” Burns emphasized that he doesn’t care about personal stats or recognition; he only cares about winning because when the team wins, everyone gets noticed.
And win he did. In a game against Duke, Burns scored 29 points, 21 of which came after halftime, leading NC State to a 76-64 victory and securing their spot in the Final Four. This incredible run by the 11th-seeded Wolfpack, winners of nine straight games, has taken everyone by surprise. Even Burns’ mother couldn’t have imagined this level of success. Their journey has become a part of March Madness lore, surpassing even the Wolfpack’s 1983 championship team.
Tactically, NC State made adjustments to their defense before the ACC tournament, bringing their pickup point closer to the 3-point line to limit opposing guards’ attack on Burns. They also developed chemistry in switching around Burns to allow him to stay back in the paint. This chemistry took time to build, considering the Wolfpack brought in eight new players last offseason.
Burns himself had an unconventional journey to NC State. Starting his career at Tennessee before transferring to Winthrop, he became the Big South Player of the Year in his third season. The Wolfpack decided to take a chance on him as a grad transfer and built their roster around him. Burns initially started off the bench but eventually became a key component of the starting lineup.
While Burns had some inconsistent performances earlier in the season, a coaching intervention helped him refocus and get in shape. Since the ACC tournament started, he has been a dominant force, scoring in double figures in every game except the Sweet 16. His improved play has also benefited his teammates, with players like Michael O’Connell and Mohammed Diarra stepping up.
The Wolfpack’s success can also be attributed to their improved defense and reduced turnovers. They played well when they minimized mistakes and got good shots. At halftime during the game against Duke, despite being behind, the team remained optimistic. Coach Kevin Keatts motivated the players by emphasizing their solid defense and predicting a win if they continued their performance.
The decision by Duke not to double-team Burns proved to be a mistake. Burns took advantage of the situation, scoring 15 points in the second half alone. Duke’s attempts to involve Burns in ball screens and off-ball screening actions backfired, as it disrupted their rhythm and allowed NC State to control the game.
After the victory, Burns celebrated with the crowd, dancing on stage and cutting down the net. His father expressed immense pride in his son’s journey, believing that there is more success to come. Burns himself remained humble and lighthearted, joking with reporters about his moves and future matchups.
As NC State advances to face Purdue in the next game, all eyes will be on DJ Burns Jr. The breakout star of March has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with, combining tactical choices with practical skills to lead his team to victory. Everyone is eagerly waiting to see what he will do next and what he’ll have to say about it.