NC State basketball star DJ Burns Jr. is taking his talents to South Korea, as he will be suiting up for the Goyang Sono Skygunners, which is a team in the Korean Basketball League.
The Sono Skygunners have officially announced that they have signed D.J Burns.#SonoSkygunners #DJBurns #KBL pic.twitter.com/rT6DOKB7mW
— 알럽바스켓공 (@baekpd1983) September 14, 2024
In view of how Burns got his notoriety, he showed out during the NCAA March Madness tournament, averaging 16.2 points (62.5 FG%), 4.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, which was enough to lead the Wolfpack to a Final Four appearance vs. Purdue.
Every basketball journey starts somewhere, and for NC State alum DJ Burns, his professional playing career will kick off in South Korea! 🇰🇷
Congrats to @beastboyburns on signing his first pro hoops contract with the Goyang Sono Skygunners in the KBL! 🏀pic.twitter.com/D3FjXFSOSr
— Conrado Pascual (@CP3_777) September 17, 2024
To point out, after a four-year collegiate career, Burns initially was trying his best to make it to the NBA, as he trimmed down from his near 300-pound frame, and lost 45 pounds ahead of this year's draft.
DJ Burns at NC State in 2023-24: 13 pts, 4 rbs, 3 asts/game.
DJ Burns in Summer League: 11 mins, 6 pts, 2 rbs, 1 stl per game on 56% shooting
On to South Korea. https://t.co/V075fJjzQr pic.twitter.com/209Pp1yGAw
— Across The Cavs (@AcrossCavs) September 17, 2024
Despite his efforts, the 23-year-old went undrafted and didn't receive much playing time on the Cleveland Cavaliers' summer league team; he averaged six points (56% FG), two rebounds, one steal in 11 minutes per game.
Many scouts and even NBA players, such as Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic, believe at 6-foot-9 260 pounds, Burns has the intangibles to be great at the next level.
Nikola Jokic: CONFIRMED DJ Burns fan @beastboyburns
"I think he's so skilled, especially lefty...seems like teammates like. to play with him. That'd be a good guy."
Joker was watching NC State-Duke before his presser lol pic.twitter.com/XlhAOZQuhd
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR) March 31, 2024
The 3x NBA MVP speaking on Burns, "He's amazing... I think he's so skilled, especially for a lefty...seems like teammates like to play with him. Gotta be a good guy."
In view of the start of Burns' professional career, ultimately he has chosen to go the overseas route, which will earn him $40,000 monthly, much more than if he would have opted to play in the NBA G-League.
Related: Demarcus Cousins Wins Finals MVP In Taiwan League
