Have you ever rooted for an underdog, someone who just captured your attention with their grit and undeniable spirit? Well, if you followed college basketball recently, then you probably know a thing or two about DJ Burns. This American professional basketball player, born October 13, 2000, really made a name for himself, especially during his time with the NC State Wolfpack. His journey, you know, it's pretty compelling, moving from collegiate heroics to stepping onto the professional stage, a story that truly resonates with fans who love a good comeback or an unexpected rise.
He previously played for the NC State Wolfpack, a team in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and before that, he was with the Winthrop Eagles of the Big South Conference. It's almost like his career has been a series of steps, each one building on the last, shaping him into the player we see today. His path, you see, wasn't always straightforward, but it was certainly filled with moments that made everyone take notice, especially during that incredible conclusion to his collegiate career.
After all the excitement, even after taking the world by storm when he led the NC State Wolfpack to its first Final Four appearance in 41 years, DJ Burns did not hear his name called in the NBA Draft. That, in a way, was a bit of a surprise to many who had watched his incredible run. Yet, his story, honestly, was far from over; it was just beginning a new chapter, showing that true talent and determination can find a way, no matter the initial hurdles.
Table of Contents
- Biography and Personal Details
- The Collegiate Journey: A Path Less Traveled
- March Madness Magic and the Cinderella Run
- NBA Draft and the Summer League Experience
- Starting a New Chapter in South Korea
- The Future of DJ Burns
- Frequently Asked Questions About DJ Burns
Biography and Personal Details
DJ Burns, whose full name is DJ Burns Jr., has really carved out a unique spot for himself in the basketball world. Born on October 13, 2000, he’s an American professional basketball player who has recently started his professional journey in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). It’s kind of cool how he’s gone from being a college standout to playing overseas, you know, showing that basketball truly is a global sport. His presence on the court is, well, quite noticeable; he's significantly larger than most of his teammates, which, in a way, becomes a distinct advantage.
Now, it's worth noting, as a matter of fact, that the name "DJ Burns" might also bring to mind other individuals, like Selvin Howell, who is popularly known as DJ Burns and is a DJ with dreams of traveling the world playing music. However, this article, you know, is specifically about the basketball player, DJ Burns Jr., whose athletic feats have captivated so many. His journey, arguably, is a testament to perseverance and adapting to new environments, a story that many can appreciate.
Here’s a quick look at some personal details and bio data for the basketball player, DJ Burns:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | DJ Burns Jr. |
| Date of Birth | October 13, 2000 |
| Nationality | American |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Current Team | Goyang Sono Skygunners (KBL) |
| Position | Forward/Center |
| College Teams | NC State Wolfpack, Winthrop Eagles, Tennessee (redshirted) |
| NBA Draft | Undrafted (2024) |
The Collegiate Journey: A Path Less Traveled
DJ Burns's college career, honestly, was quite the winding road, a journey that involved a few different stops before he found his true stride. He began his collegiate time at Tennessee, where he actually redshirted, meaning he practiced with the team but didn't play in games during that year. That, you know, can be a tough start for any young player, but it's also a period for learning and growth, a chance to really soak up the system.
After his time at Tennessee, he made a move to the Winthrop Eagles, a team competing in the Big South Conference. It was there, arguably, that he really started to showcase his abilities. He led the Wolfpack in scoring and efficiency during his time at Winthrop, which is pretty impressive, especially when you consider the level of competition. This period was, in a way, a crucial stepping stone, allowing him to refine his game and build confidence on the court.
Then came the transfer to the NC State Wolfpack, a big step up to the Atlantic Coast Conference, one of college basketball's premier leagues. Burns, you see, transferred twice on his journey to the Wolfpack, reaching the NCAA tournament at an earlier stop before this final destination. This kind of movement, honestly, isn't uncommon in college sports, but it speaks to a player's determination to find the right fit, the place where they can truly excel and make an impact. His time with the Wolfpack would, in fact, become legendary, etching his name into the hearts of many basketball fans.
March Madness Magic and the Cinderella Run
The 2024 NCAA Men's Tournament, you know, was where DJ Burns truly became a household name. He took the world by storm, leading the NC State Wolfpack on what was, basically, a Cinderella run, a truly magical stretch of games that captured the imagination of so many. The team's journey to its first Final Four appearance in 41 years was, arguably, one of the most compelling stories of the tournament, and Burns was right at the heart of it all.
He sent NC State to the Sweet 16 in the 2024 NCAA March Madness tournament, a huge achievement for the team. During this incredible postseason run, he quickly turned into one of the most likable players in the NCAA tournament, thanks to his engaging personality and powerful play. He averaged 16.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in the 2024 tournament, earning ACC and South Region honors, which, you know, really highlights his impact during that time. His efforts, in fact, were instrumental in the Wolfpack's unexpected success, showing everyone what a determined team can accomplish.
The image of North Carolina State forward DJ Burns Jr. cutting the net after his team's defeat of Duke at the South Regional championship game, you know, that's a moment that will stick with fans for a very long time. It was a visual representation of their triumph, a truly special occasion. While his efforts, sadly, failed to land him a spot on an NBA roster directly through the draft, his efforts did, you see, open other doors, proving that sometimes, success comes in different forms, and that's perfectly fine.
NBA Draft and the Summer League Experience
After an incredible conclusion to his collegiate career, NC State basketball hero DJ Burns did not hear his name called in the NBA draft. This, you know, can be a tough moment for any aspiring professional player, especially after such a high-profile performance in March Madness. Count NC State big man DJ Burns among the other 65 percent of players who weren't selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, which is, basically, a significant number of talented athletes.
However, the story didn't end there, not by a long shot. Former NC State forward DJ Burns signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers as an undrafted free agent on Thursday after he was not selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, according to Shams Charania. This agreement, you see, was a really positive step, offering him a chance to showcase his skills at the professional level during the NBA Summer League. Multiple sources confirmed that Burns had signed a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers to join their summer league roster, which, you know, was pretty exciting news for his fans.
Burns, who had lost weight after the season, hoped to showcase his skills in the Summer League, proving he could compete with the best. This opportunity was, in a way, a chance to make a strong impression, to show NBA scouts and teams what he could bring to the table. Even though he wasn't drafted, getting an undrafted free agent deal with an NBA team is, honestly, a significant achievement, demonstrating that his talent was still recognized and valued, which is really important for any player's confidence.
Starting a New Chapter in South Korea
After his NBA Summer League stint, the former NC State star and March Madness Cinderella, DJ Burns, decided to take his talents overseas. He officially began his professional basketball career in South Korea on Monday, which is, you know, a pretty big move for any player. This decision marked a new chapter in his career, showing a willingness to explore different leagues and cultures to continue playing the game he loves.
Former North Carolina State big man DJ Burns, who played with the Cleveland Cavaliers in summer league, signed with the Sono Skygunners of the Korean Basketball League (KBL), per Jadyn. He has been with the Goyang Sono Skygunners, and reports indicate he is already dunking all over everybody, which is, basically, a clear sign that he's making an immediate impact. The former March Madness legend is, in fact, significantly larger than most of his teammates in the KBL, a physical advantage that he uses very well on the court.
Playing in South Korea offers DJ Burns a fantastic opportunity to develop his game further, gain valuable professional experience, and, you know, really hone his skills in a competitive environment. He is averaging 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his professional career so far, which are solid numbers for a player just starting out. This move, you see, allows him to continue playing at a high level, proving that there are many paths to a successful professional basketball career beyond the NBA, and that's, arguably, a very positive thing for him.
The Future of DJ Burns
There's no telling what lies ahead in the professional career of NC State basketball treasure DJ Burns. His journey so far has been filled with unexpected turns, from redshirting at Tennessee to leading the Wolfpack to a historic Final Four run, and now, you know, playing professionally in South Korea. This path, in a way, is a testament to his resilience and adaptability, showing that he's willing to take on new challenges and make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
His ability to perform under pressure, as seen during the March Madness tournament, suggests that he has the mental toughness required for professional sports. The fact that he's already making an impact in the KBL, dunking and putting up solid numbers, is a very encouraging sign for his future prospects. Fans who followed his college career are, in fact, really excited to see how he continues to grow and evolve as a player on the professional stage.
Whether his path eventually leads him back to the NBA or he builds a long and successful career overseas, one thing is clear: DJ Burns has a bright future in basketball. His story, you see, is a compelling example of how dedication and a strong work ethic can open doors, even when the initial outcomes aren't what everyone expects. You can learn more about DJ Burns on our site, and perhaps you might want to also check out this page to follow his professional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About DJ Burns
Here are some common questions people have about DJ Burns:
Where is DJ Burns playing now?
DJ Burns is currently playing professional basketball for the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). He officially began his professional career in South Korea recently, which is, you know, a new and exciting chapter for him after his college days and a brief stint in the NBA Summer League.
Did DJ Burns get drafted into the NBA?
No, DJ Burns was not selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, after going undrafted, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers as an undrafted free agent to join their summer league roster, which, you know, gave him a chance to showcase his skills at that level before heading overseas.
What was DJ Burns known for during March Madness?
DJ Burns became a March Madness legend for leading the NC State Wolfpack to an incredible Cinderella run in the 2024 NCAA Men's Tournament, taking them to their first Final Four appearance in 41 years. He was known for his powerful play, engaging personality, and significant contributions to the team's unexpected success, which, you know, really made him a fan favorite during that time.
