D.J. Burns on N.C. State catching fire to make Final Four run: 'There's just been a total switch in our commitment'
The No. 11 seed N.C. State Wolfpack continue to be one of the most improbable stories in March Madness history. And their big man, D.J. Burns, continues to dominate the headlines. They fed the rock to their big man in their Elite Eight matchup against No. 4 seed Duke on Sunday, and the big fella carried them to history after he poured in 29 points. Burns and the Wolfpack handled the Blue Devils in the second half, pulling away for a 76-64 win. Following the win, the 275-pounder spoke with Tracy Wolfson on the floor.
How does he describe the joy he’s feeling right now with the Wolfpack heading to the Final Four?
“I’ll say like I’ve been saying the whole tournament. When I stop having fun with basketball, I’ll stop playing. I’m very thankful to be here. Our guys behind us were ready,” Burns said.
The Wolfpack have pulled off one of the most improbable stories in college basketball history, winning the ACC Tournament Championship and blazing quite the trail in the NCAA Tournament. N.C. State has now rattled off nine straight wins in the past few weeks, something nobody would have deemed possible leading up to the ACC Tournament. They’ll be heading to their first Final Four in over 40 years.
What is so special about this team and how did the Wolfpack pull off the unthinkable?
“There’s just been a total switch in our commitment,” Burns began. “Nobody’s being late to things. Nobody’s being a problem on the court. Everybody’s come together. I don’t know what it is, but everybody’s handling it on-and off the court quite well.”
What will he have in store for what figures to be one of the best big men showdowns in tournament history in the Final Four? Burns is listed at 6-foot-9, 275 pounds, but surely looks bigger than that out on the floor with the way he’s able to bulldoze opposing defenders and get to his spot on the court. He’s not only an elite scorer, but he’s a remarkable passer out of the post.
According to Synergy Basketball, Burns has shot 62% in one-on-one situations in the post. He’s also averaged three assists per game passing out of it since the start of the ACC Tournament.
He’ll get to go toe-to-toe with Purdue big man Zach Edey, who stands at 7-4, 300 pounds. Edey posted a monster stat line of his own on Sunday in propelling his team to a win over Tennessee. He finished with 40 points and 16 rebounds in 39 minutes of work, showcasing just what an unstoppable force he’s been over the years.