GLENDALE, Ariz. — NC State’s surprise run to the men’s Final Four was fueled largely in part by the stellar play of big man DJ Burns. And while you’d normally think of a Final Four run as a prime showcase for NBA scouts, it was apparently NFL scouts who came away intrigued with the 6-foot-9, 275-pound senior.
Burns, though, doesn’t seem open to a football career.
Speaking to reporters in Arizona on Thursday, Burns was asked about the interest he’s created amongst NFL evaluators. And Burns made it clear that his interest remains entirely on basketball.
He said he had “zero” desire to play football after his time is done at NC State.
NC State star DJ Burns says he has "zero" interest in playing football despite reported interest from NFL teams. pic.twitter.com/wEbOXBRdu3
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 4, 2024
Now, just a couple days earlier, Burns didn’t completely rule out the possibility of football in an interview with Dan Patrick. He said to Patrick that he wasn’t a close-minded person, but would still pursue basketball opportunities first.
"I'd probably pursue some other options with basketball first before all of that but I'm not a closed minded person."
-DJ Burns Jr. on the possibility of playing in the #NFL if things don't work out with the #NBA pic.twitter.com/bywEG1pu8i
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) April 2, 2024
It’s obvious is heart is in basketball, and that’s been on display throughout March Madness.