In the dynamic world of basketball, where talent and perseverance intertwine to create compelling narratives, the story of Dwight “DJ” Keith Burns Jr. Born on October 13, 2000, this towering figure, standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing approximately 275 pounds, has carved a unique path through the collegiate ranks, marked by significant achievements and a captivating playing style. This article delves into the journey of D.J. Burns Jr., exploring his early life, his impactful college career, his foray into professional basketball, and the key aspects that have made him a noteworthy name in the sport.
Early Life and High School Years: Laying the Foundation
D.J. Burns Jr. grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where his passion for basketball began to take shape. His imposing height was evident from a young age, standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches by the time he was in eighth grade. This early physical advantage, coupled with a developing skill set, set the stage for his promising basketball career.
He attended York Preparatory Academy, where he honed his skills under the guidance of coach Frank Hamrick. His time at York Prep was nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman, he demonstrated his potential by averaging 13 points and 11 rebounds per game. His sophomore year saw further development, as he averaged 14.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 3.1 blocks per game, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.
His junior season was particularly stellar, marked by a double-double average of 14.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Dan Joyner Poinsettia Classic and the USA National Prep Championship, underscoring his growing prominence in the national high school basketball scene.
College Career: A Journey of Growth and Impact
D.J. Burns Jr.’s college career was characterized by growth, adaptation, and significant contributions to each team he played for. His journey began at the University of Tennessee, followed by impactful stints at Winthrop University and North Carolina State University (NC State).
University of Tennessee (2018-2019)
Burns enrolled at Tennessee in the summer of 2018. However, his freshman season (2018-2019) was a redshirt year, meaning he practiced and traveled with the team but did not participate in any official games. This period allowed him to adjust to the demands of college basketball and work on his physical conditioning. Notably, he focused on losing weight during this time. He did make a brief appearance in an exhibition game against Tusculum, where he recorded two points, two rebounds, and a block, offering a glimpse of his potential.
Winthrop University (2019-2022)
He received a waiver for immediate eligibility and quickly established himself as a key player for the Eagles.
Freshman Season (2019-2020): Burns was named the Big South Conference Freshman of the Year. He also earned a spot on the All-Big South Second Team. He showcased his scoring ability by finishing the season with 394 points, the second-most by a freshman in program history. He averaged 11.9 points per game and led the Big South in field goal percentage (.583). He set a freshman record for field goals made in a season (175) and had a career-high 23 points against Charleston Southern. He was also named Big South Freshman of the Week five times, tying a program record. In the Big South Conference title game victory over Hampton, he came off the bench to lead the team in scoring with 16 points.
Sophomore Season (2020-2021): Burns continued to be a significant contributor, averaging 10.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He earned Honorable Mention All-Big South honors and was voted to the Big South Conference All-Tournament Team. He posted double-figures in 12 games and had a season-high 22 points against High Point and in the Big South title game against Campbell. He also tied a career-high with three blocks against Gardner-Webb.
Junior Season (2021-2022): This season marked a breakout year for Burns. He was named the Big South Conference Player of the Year and earned a spot on the Big South All-Conference First Team. He set career highs in points per game (15.0), rebounds per game (4.5), and field goal percentage (.626), leading the conference in the latter. His field goal percentage also ranked ninth in the NCAA. He reached 1,000 career points in just his third season at Winthrop, becoming the fifth player in program history to achieve this before their senior year.
North Carolina State University (2022-2024)
At NC State, D.J. Burns Jr. continued to showcase his talent and made a significant impact, particularly during his final season.
Senior Season (2022-2023): Burns was named to the All-ACC Honorable Mention team. He appeared in 34 games, making 22 starts. He demonstrated his scoring prowess with a season-high 21 points against Wake Forest. He averaged a solid 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, proving his ability to perform at a high level in a major conference.
Graduate Season (2023-2024): This season was nothing short of legendary for Burns. He led NC State on an improbable run to their first ACC Tournament title since 1987 and their first Final Four appearance since 1983. His dominant performances earned him the ACC Tournament MVP award. In the championship game against rival North Carolina, he scored 20 points, dished out 7 assists, and even hit the only three-pointer of his college career. His stellar play continued into the NCAA Tournament, where he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the South Region after leading NC State to the Final Four. Notably, he scored 29 points in the Elite Eight victory against Duke. His combination of size, footwork, and surprising passing ability made him a matchup nightmare for opponents throughout the tournament.
Professional Career: New Beginnings in the KBL
After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, D.J. Burns Jr. embarked on his professional basketball journey. He signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers to play for them during the 2024 NBA Summer League, providing him with valuable experience and exposure at the NBA level.
On September 14, 2024, Burns signed with the Goyang Sono Sky Gunners of the Korean Basketball League (KBL), replacing Jarnell Stokes on the roster. This move marked the beginning of his professional career overseas, offering him an opportunity to showcase his skills in a competitive international league. As of May 2025, he is actively playing for the Skygunners, continuing to develop his game and adapt to the professional level.
Playing Style and Strengths
D.J. Burns Jr. is known for his unique blend of size, agility, and skill. His imposing physical presence in the post makes him a formidable scorer and rebounder. He possesses excellent footwork and a variety of post moves that allow him to score effectively against different types of defenders.
Despite his size, Burns is also a surprisingly good passer, often finding open teammates with well-timed and accurate passes from the post. This ability to facilitate the offense adds another dimension to his game and makes him a difficult player to defend. His performance in the ACC Tournament championship game, where he had 7 assists, highlighted this often-underappreciated aspect of his skill set.
Furthermore, Burns demonstrated his versatility by occasionally stepping out to the perimeter and even hitting a three-pointer in a crucial game, suggesting a potential for further development in his offensive range. His soft touch around the basket and his ability to draw fouls also make him a consistent scoring threat.
Personal Life: Beyond the Court
Beyond his accomplishments on the basketball court, D.J. Burns Jr. has a rich and multifaceted personal life. His parents, Dwight Sr. and Takela Burns, have been instrumental in his upbringing and success. Dwight Sr. works as the agent in charge of York County for South Carolina Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, while his mother, Takela, is an assistant principal at Mount Gallant Elementary School. He also has a younger sister, Nadia.
Interestingly, Burns is a talented multi-instrumentalist. He plays the stand-up bass, tuba, piano, handbells, and saxophone, showcasing a deep appreciation for music and the arts. Additionally, he is a devout Christian, and his faith plays a significant role in his life.
Final Thoughts
The journey of D.J. Burns Jr. is a testament to the power of perseverance, skill development, and making the most of opportunities. From his dominant high school career to his impactful college years at Winthrop and NC State, culminating in a memorable NCAA Tournament run, Burns has consistently defied expectations and captured the hearts of basketball fans.
His transition to professional basketball in the Korean Basketball League marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. With his unique skill set and proven ability to perform at a high level, D.J. Burns Jr. has the potential to make a significant impact in the professional ranks. As fans continue to follow his journey, his story serves as an inspiring example of dedication and the pursuit of one’s passion in the world of sports. His name will undoubtedly be remembered for his remarkable college career and the excitement he brought to the game.
FAQs
Who is D.J. Burns Jr.?
D.J. (Dwight Keith) Burns Jr. is an American professional basketball player known for his imposing size, skillful post play, and surprising passing ability. He gained significant recognition during his college career, particularly at NC State, where he led the team to an ACC Tournament title and a Final Four appearance in 2024
What were some of D.J. Burns Jr.’s college achievements?
Some of his notable college achievements include being named the Big South Conference Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year at Winthrop, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors at NC State, and being named the ACC Tournament MVP and the NCAA Tournament South Region Most Outstanding Player in 2024. He also led NC State to their first ACC Tournament title since 1987 and their first Final Four appearance since 1983.
Why was D.J. Is Burns Jr. so popular during the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
His unique combination of size and skill, his leadership in NC State’s improbable tournament run, and his engaging personality made him a fan favorite. His impressive scoring and passing ability for a player of his stature also garnered significant attention.
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