The journey for NC State forward DJ Burns from player who bounced around to three programs to March Madness darling included stops at Tennessee, Winthrop and now, the Wolfpack.
So it’s kind of amazing to think about how he’s been a name for a while … and now he’s a star with chatter about his pro future (and whether he wants to play in the NFL!) who has someone like Nikola Jokic in awe of the man now known as Gen-Z Bo.
As we watch him play in the 2024 Final Four of the men’s NCAA tournament, let’s take a look back at Burns over the years.
1
Tennessee guard Lamonte Turner (1) and Tennessee forward D.J. Burns (32) walk off the court after their 87-48 win over Tusculum at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.
2
Mar 21, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward D.J. Burns (32) during practice before the first round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
3
Tennessee’s D.J. Burns has little fun during practice on March 27 at the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Ky.
4
Mar 19, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Winthrop Eagles forward D.J. Burns Jr. (30) grabs a rebound in front of Villanova Wildcats guard Chris Arcidiacono (4) during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
5
Winthrop Eagles forward D.J. Burns Jr. (30) grabs a rebound as Villanova Wildcats forward Jermaine Samuels (23) moves in from behind during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 19, 2021, at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis, Ind.
6
Feb 11, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Terquavion Smith (0) talks with forward D.J. Burns Jr. (30) during a timeout in the second half of a game against the Boston College Eagles at the Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
7
Feb 19, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward D.J. Burns Jr. (30) celebrates during the second half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
