The Tactical and Practical Decisions Behind DJ Burns Jr.’s Rise as March’s Breakout Star

North Carolina State's DJ Burns Jr. (30) drives against Marquette's Oso Ighodaro during the first half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game in the men's NCAA Tournament in Dallas, Friday, March 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

DJ Burns Jr. found himself in an uncommon moment devoid of the usual fanfare inside the America Airlines Center on Saturday afternoon. Surrounded by reporters, NC State’s center faced an inquiry about his defensive preferences:…