If leading North Carolina State to a stunning win over Duke, and sending the school to its first Final Four appearance in four decades wasn't enough to make DJ Burns' day, how about getting praise from two-time MVP Nikola Jokic?
Burns scored a season-high 29 points as the Wolfpack took down No. 4 Duke, and the performance was enough to earn praise from one of the best big men in all of basketball.
"He’s amazing," Jokic told reporters after taking on the Cavaliers Sunday. "I think he's so skilled, especially lefty...seems like teammates like to play with him. Gotta be a good guy."
If anyone has experience in being skillful at the centre position, it's Jokic. Especially after putting up a stat line of 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists in a win against the Cavaliers.
Burns helped lead NC State to its first Final Four appearance since the school won the national title in 1983. The South Region's most outstanding player credited his strong outing to his joy for the game and the team's cohesion during their run.
“I’ll say like I’ve been saying the whole tournament when I stop having fun with basketball, I’ll stop playing,” said Burns. “There’s just been a total switch in our commitment. Nobody’s being late to things. Nobody’s being a problem on the court. Everybody’s come together.”
If that wasn't enough big-man content, March Madness fans have a stellar matchup to look forward to when NC State and Purdue meet for the first time in the NCAA tournament next. Expect a heavyweight bout to take place in the paint between Canadian Zach Edey and Burns.
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