College basketball sensation DJ Burns has taken the NBA by storm captivating the attention of current players and veterans alike. The 23-year-old led the Wolfpack to the Final Four this season, putting in an impressive 29-point performance against Duke in the Elite Eight. The instance brought Burns praise from none other than Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić, –the left-handed big man– commending him on his skills and the positive impact he brings to the team.

However, Burns’ growing fanbase didn’t just stop there. In a recent interview, the 36-year-old Orlando Magic veteran, Joe Ingles, admitted to becoming a fan of Burns accidentally.

Joe Ingles: From casual viewer to Burns admirer

DJ Burns Jr. averages 13.0 points, 2.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. However, it is beyond the power forward’s statistics and all-around abilities that have made him a popular name among enthusiasts. His ability to cheer on and lighten the mood has set him apart and thus, everyone around DJ seems to have a DJ story on court and otherwise. One of which happens to come from Ingles.

In a recent interview, Ingles admitted that he isn’t a great college basketball fan. He stumbled upon the NC State-Duke game while channel surfing. And that was when Burns caught his attention. The 23-year-old’s skills and temperament impressed Inges. He said, “I was just flicking through the TV and I saw Burns. He’s a big dude, 6’10” or whatever he is, and he’s just a big baby down there. I’m like, ‘There’s no way this is like one of those little conferences they’re implying.‘”

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“I saw this big dude, number 13, just working in the block,” Ingles continued. “He’s a big dude, a handful down low. I thought it was pretty cool.” Ingles admitted later that he is the biggest DJ Burns Jr. fan in America. He also said, “They wouldn’t have been showing it on National TV if it wasn’t something special.”

DJ Burns is currently a key player for the Wolfpack, averaging 20+ in the NCAA Tournament. Prior to that, the power forward was awarded Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year in 2020 and 2022 respectively, playing for Winthrop. His shooting percentage from the field currently stands at 52 while he records 67.7% from the free throw line. His ease in carrying his weight and getting the ball across while he posts impressive numbers, thus, couldn’t go unnoticed.

DJ Burns Jr continues to rise

Nikola Jokić is one of DJ Burns’ newer fans, agreeing with his performance. He said in a recent interview “I think he’s so skilled, especially lefty…seems like teammates, like, to play with him. That’d be a good guy.” In a manner, he also described his desire to play with Burns. Burns’ left-handed dominance is being compared to many big names in the NBA.

DJ Burns Jr.’s performance against Duke wasn’t just a highlight for Ingles’ evening. It was a historic moment for NC State. He scored 29 points against the Duke and he also had 4 rebounds and 3 assists. He single-handedly led Wolfpacks to upset victory. Now with the NBA Draft around the corner. Burns might be a player to watch out for.

According to reports, Burns has received a welcoming response online with fans calling him Gen Z-Bo; a reference to Grizzlies legend Zach “Z-Bo” Randolph. To further capture the attention of NBA stars like Nikola Jokić and Joe Ingles speaks a lot about the brighter path ahead.

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