DJ Burns is undoubtedly gaining plenty of attention as the engine powering the NC State Wolfpack into a Final Four appearance. The solid performance of the 6’9″ forward throughout the tournament is quickly solidifying his name in college basketball lore.
Plenty of people have given Burns attention ever since his team’s incredible March Madness run, but there was nothing that excited Burns more than the knowledge that one of the best players in the NBA is watching him play his game.
NC State Wolfpack’s DJ Burns sees similarities between his and Nikola Jokic’s games
After the Wolfpack took down the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight, Burns was informed that Jokic had nice things to say about the power forward.
It was visible on Burns’ face during the interview how surprising it was for a player of Jokic’s caliber to pay attention to his game:
DJ Burns reaction to hearing that Jokic was watching the NC State game and how Burns played today. Pretty cool pic.twitter.com/KKDVqH5GTt
— CT (@CTFazio24) April 1, 2024
“Really? Yeah, for sure!” Burns’ said about liking the Denver Nuggets center’s game.
He also went into detail about what the differences and similarities they have in their games:
“He dunks a lot more than me. He also shoots threes way better than me. But I feel like as far as post moves and everything, we have a similar game in a sense. I wouldn’t say all of our game, but specifically as far as the post aspect.”
It’s clear to him that he has plenty of work to do if he wants to be as prolific as Jokic in the NBA. The biggest hole in his game is his lack of a three-point shot. Working on that after March Madness is done will help him find a spot in the pros.
However, teams will seriously consider his value after his impressive March Madness showing. DJ Burns has put up solid numbers throughout the tournament. His 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 67% field goal percentage will make him a viable prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft.
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