DJ Burns Jr., the 6-foot-9, 275-pound center for NC State, has become a March Madness darling with his impressive performances during the tournament.
Burns emerged from relative obscurity, but his impact on the court has been undeniable. Here’s why he’s become a fan favorite.
He prioritizes winning over individual stats. His infectious smile and team-first attitude have endeared him to fans. As he puts it, “Nobody cares about a loser. That’s why I decided to be a winner.”
Burns cooked the Blue Devils for 29 points in the Elite Eight, leading NC State to a 76-64 win over Duke. His scoring prowess, especially in crunch time, has been remarkable.
Yall wanna see a player’s draft stock collapse? pic.twitter.com/SPhzYMnYz2
— Savage (@MSavage901) April 1, 2024
NC State’s journey to the Final Four is more improbable than most, and Burns played a pivotal role in this Cinderella story.
His rise to stardom has now led to a perfect NBA legend comparison that includes the most perfect nickname for Burns.
Duke getting cooked by Gen Z-Bo. Ya love to see it. https://t.co/oC7WYMp51J
— Mookie Alexander (@mookiealexander) March 31, 2024
Like Zach Randolph, Burns possesses an atypical body type for his position. Both are powerful big men who impose their will in the paint.
Randolph was known for his crafty post moves and ability to score in traffic. Burns has displayed similar skills, using his size effectively to dominate opponents.
Just as fans loved watching Randolph work in the NBA, Burns has become a sensation. His chatty demeanor, fearlessness, and knack for clutch plays evoke memories of Randolph’s impact, even though Burns himself says the comparison solely dates back to the similarity in their appearances.
“I watched a lot of Hakeem Olajuwon growing up, and I just happened to end up with a Zach Randolph build.”
However, Basketball Twitter absolutely loved the new nickname… rightfully so.
Gen Z-Bo is fantastic
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) March 31, 2024
That shit was brilliant
— Terrico Suave (@KatoPacino) March 31, 2024
Gen Z-Bo has sent me to the afterlife https://t.co/Mh36TheF4F
— Clinton Yates (@clintonyates) March 31, 2024
Nah Gen Z-Bo is CRAZY LMAOOOOOO https://t.co/RzVyWlb5Fv
— Muhammad Alinked-in (@PBSImpulse9) March 31, 2024
Gen Z-Bo https://t.co/bwrjhOPXtf
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) April 1, 2024
Director of Nickname Operations STRONGLY approves Gen Z-Bo. https://t.co/VGpuTnt7YY
— Yaya Dubin (@JADubin5) March 31, 2024
Nah they calling DJ Burns, Gen Z-Bo love it
— Lower East Scribe (@LowerEastScribe) April 1, 2024
Gen Z-Bo got me rolling https://t.co/jkvnl0evfU
— Evan Johnson (@thevoiceofevan) March 31, 2024
Gen Z-Bo https://t.co/tqYQIhiLje pic.twitter.com/8bSBPtHBAO
— Herbo (@ManLikeGinola) March 31, 2024
Gen Z-Bo might be the most fitting nickname of all time https://t.co/pTyNa7AMBa
— OS 4 LIFE (@ScubaSmyth) April 1, 2024
Gen Z-Bo.
Stamp that.
— Keyser Chief (@RickDubb) March 31, 2024
Gen Z-Bo is the coldest nickname of all time https://t.co/5Rnx7Lhb99 pic.twitter.com/fhakuatDkD
— Trey Stewart (@treyatcitizen) April 1, 2024
In the upcoming Final Four showdown, Burns faces Purdue’s towering Zach Edey. It’s a clash of styles: the dancing bear against the giant. Regardless of the outcome, DJ Burns Jr. has etched his name into March Madness lore, proving that winners indeed get noticed.
