How Does D J Burns Compare To Other NC State Forwards?

As someone who's followed NC State basketball closely, I've seen D J Burns develop into a unique player. His footwork and post moves remind me of old-school big men, but he's got a modern touch with his passing ability. Compared to other forwards, he's not the most explosive athlete, but his basketball IQ stands out. He reads defenses well and knows when to take his shot or find an open teammate. His size makes him a mismatch problem, and he uses it effectively. Watching him play is like seeing a crafty veteran out there, even though he's still young. His ability to score in the paint sets him apart from many forwards who rely too much on outside shots these days. The way he establishes position and uses his body to shield defenders is textbook perfect. While he might not have the highlight reel dunks of some forwards, his consistent production and high percentage shots make him invaluable to the team.

D J Burns brings something special to NC State's frontcourt that's hard to find in today's game. His game is built around fundamental skills rather than flashy athleticism, which makes him stand out among current forwards. When you watch him play, his patience in the post is remarkable. He doesn't rush his moves, waiting for the right moment to attack. This contrasts with many modern forwards who seem obsessed with either shooting threes or driving recklessly to the basket.

Compared to other NC State forwards over the years, Burns has a more polished low-post game than most. His ability to score with either hand around the basket is rare in college basketball today. What impresses me most is his passing from the post. He finds cutters and open shooters better than any big man I've seen at NC State in recent memory. While he might not be the fastest player on the court, his positioning and timing make up for it.

Defensively, he holds his ground well against stronger opponents, though quicker forwards can give him trouble. His rebounding is solid, especially on the offensive glass where he uses his size effectively. The thing that separates Burns is his consistency. Night after night, he delivers production without needing plays run specifically for him. In an era where many forwards want to be perimeter players, Burns embraces playing inside and does it exceptionally well.

When analyzing D J Burns against NC State's other forwards, his style of play immediately stands out as different. He's not trying to be something he's not - he plays within his strengths and dominates in his own way. Where some forwards rely on athleticism or outside shooting, Burns carves out space in the paint and scores efficiently. His back-to-the-basket game is more developed than most college players today.

What makes Burns special is his understanding of angles and positioning. He doesn't need to jump out of the gym because he creates scoring opportunities through smart play. Compared to more athletic forwards, Burns might not get as many transition buckets, but he more than makes up for it with his halfcourt execution. His soft touch around the rim is something you can't teach.

I appreciate how he's adapted his game to fit modern basketball without abandoning traditional post skills. While he's added a decent mid-range shot, he hasn't fallen into the trap of becoming just another stretch four. His ability to draw double teams and find open teammates adds another dimension to his game that many forwards lack. In crucial moments, Burns can be counted on to get a quality shot, which is more than you can say for many players at his position.