DJ Burns, sophomore mass communication major, has recently been declared eligible for the 2019–2020 season.
Burns is originally from Rock Hill and graduated a year early from York Preparatory Academy. He ended his high school career with more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds and was considered the third best prospect in the state of South Carolina. The two prospects ranked ahead of Burns were Zion Williamson (#1 pick in 2019 NBA Draft) and Ja Morant (#2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft).
The 6-foot-9, 250 pound forward then became a member of the Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team for the 2018–19 season. He redshirted his freshman season at the University of Tennessee and has now transferred to Winthrop University.
“I chose Winthrop because I wanted to be around a great group of guys committed to winning,” Burns said. “After going into the portal, I quickly realized that Winthrop had an upcoming culture full of guys committed to getting better on and off the court. It wasn’t a hard choice at all.”
“I can bring an inside presence with a variety of moves and countermoves, communication on defense, and honestly whatever is needed of me to win,” Burns said. ”My expectations are to win games, simple as that. Everyone wants to go to the tournament, but we want to advance in the tournament.”
The sophomore power forward shared his pre-game routine that helps him get ready to play.
“I have a game day playlist that I’ve had since 8th grade. I add a few lit songs every now and then to get me going but I never delete songs off of the playlist,” Burns said. ”Also I pray before we come together as a team before going to war.”
Burns also shared advice for students and fans getting ready for the upcoming season.
“This year we hope to bring an energy to the games that we haven’t seen in a while here,” Burns said. “With that being said we can’t do it without you guys. Come out and support us while we go to work for our school and our city. Season tickets [are] out now.”
Photo courtesy of University of Tenessee
Odd that DJ Burns picture displays him in a Tennessee jersey provided by UT. Any reason not to use pictures posted in a Winthrop jersey?
Hi Tom, Nice observation. Late reply, but I assume that is the only picture that DJ provided.