NC State has had one of the best turnarounds from last season to this year, as they sit at 19-5 overall and 9-4 in the ACC. Several players have stepped up for the Wolfpack, and the return of Terquavion Smith certainly helped. But NC State has also seen a big lift in play from its big man DJ Burns, one of the key transfers this season in the ACC.
It took a little time for him to adjust from his time at Winthrop to his time at NC State, but it seems like he is playing his best basketball at the right time for the Wolfpack.
First 12 games at NC State:
Averaging 8.1 points per game
Last 12 Games at NC State:
Averaging 16.1 points per game
Last 3 games:
23 points per game/ 7 rebounds per game
The stats certainly don’t lie, and you can dive even more into those stats for Burns. Through the first 12 games, one can see that Burns wasn’t getting the attention down low, only recording three games in which he had double-digit shot attempts. In his last 12 games, Burns is capitalizing on more opportunities, as he has recorded nine games in which he had double-digit shot attempts including games in which he had 26 attempts and 21 attempts (in two of his last three games).
Burns is really starting to be the force that NC State needed; always known for Coach Keatts’ gameplay with his guards, Burns is starting to be that dominant figure in the paint that the Wolfpack have been missing over the years. In those last 12 games, it is no coincidence that NC State is 10-2 in those games, as the senior is helping the Wolfpack flourish and he hopes to continue his strong play as the season comes to an end.
