DJ Burns Jr.: March Madness star is leading a surprising Final Four run and earns praise from Nikola Jokić
CNN
March Madness is a time for unheralded players to become national darlings with magical moments and lead surprising tournament runs.
March Madness is a time for unheralded players to become national darlings with magical moments and lead surprising tournament runs. And no one better symbolizes college basketball’s allure than DJ Burns Jr. The six-foot-nine-inch, 275-pound center has led No. 11 NC State to the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA men’s tournament, beating a host of highly-seeded teams on the way to a semifinal spot. But it’s not just on the court where he’s earning plaudits – Burns has become an internet sensation with his dainty footwork, forceful drives to the basket and the swagger he has exuded. He was seen talking to Duke fans, dancing in the middle of the court during crunch time of crucial victories, all while being a dominant force with the basketball in his hand. All in all, Burns seems to be relishing his time in the spotlight and is earning himself a burgeoning reputation, even among the best players the game has ever seen.