Charles Barkley compares DJ Burns to Zach Randolph during NCAA Tournament
Ever since NC State made its ACC Tournament run, winning five games in five days, college basketball fans have fallen in love with DJ Burns. The 6-9, 275-pound forward can be the Wolfpack’s heartbeat at times, running plays for him in the low-post. Not something you see too often these days but people are enjoying it.
One of them is Charles Barkley, making his yearly trek over to college basketball from the NBA for the NCAA Tournament. Barkley was able to provide a comparison for Burns, saying the NC State’s star reminds him of Zach Randolph, a great player in his own right.
“Zach Randolph was a terrific NBA player, he could be just like that,” Barkley said. “He said ‘I’m going to get where I want to at my pace.’ It’s beautiful to watch. Sometimes, we get so enamored with guys that can run and jump who don’t have any idea how to play basketball. This kid knows how to use his body and play basketball.”
Burns did not have the best half of his career but Barkley was still amazed watching him out there. On seven shot attempts, the NC State big man has made just three and has six points on the night. Only grabbing one rebound is unusual for Burns as well.
Picking up two quick fouls has kept him off the court and off the stat sheet.
Even so, the comparison is about more than 20 minutes of basketball against Texas Tech. Burns is not a player many coaches want on their roster in today’s college basketball. Everything has become about stretching the floor and getting shots up from deep.
Burns is the opposite and has a quality post game, much like Randolph did during his 18-year career in the NBA.
If NC State is going to win another game in March, Burns will have to be a factor down the stretch. Avoiding fouls when backing down Texas Tech player is critical, with the Red Raiders already getting him on one charge in the first half.
Being in control and doing his best Randolph impression could send the Wolfpack through for a matchup against Oakland in the Round of 32. Barkley will be observing from back in the CBS studio.