Tag: NC State

Potential Thunder draft prospect Zach Edey leads Purdue to Final Four win

Potential Thunder draft prospect Zach Edey leads Purdue to Final Four win.

The Oklahoma City Thunder could have two 2024 first-round picks in the lottery range. They own the Houston Rockets’ top-four protected pick and the Utah Jazz’s top-10 protected pick. The former looks more likely to convey to OKC than the latter.

With the national semifinals of the NCAA Tournament concluded, the top prospects were in the spotlight as they drew national attention for their postseason performances.

Considering the Thunder will likely have at least one lottery pick, plenty of possible additions via the draft give fans a chance to see how they match up in high-stress situations.

One possibility is Purdue center Zach Edey. He finished with 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 40 minutes in Purdue’s 63-50 win over NC State in the Final Four on Saturday.

Edey is a polarizing figure as a draft prospect. After opting out of last year’s draft, he returned for his senior season at Purdue and put up monster numbers. In 35 games, he averaged 24.5 points on 62% shooting, 12.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. He led Purdue to a No. 1 seed.

The concern with the 7-foot-4, 300-pound big man is his mobility and slowness. If he can’t improve in those areas, he might not survive as an NBA center.

On the Thunder, Edey would add serious size to a small roster. He can play a traditional big-man role and pair with Chet Holmgren nicely. He ultimately might not fit with OKC due to his lack of playmaking.

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DJ Burns offered a definitive answer to a possible football career after he’s done at NC State

NFL scouts have been intrigued with the NC State big man.

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.

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.

It’s obvious is heart is in basketball, and that’s been on display throughout March Madness.

DJ Burns reacts to NFL rumors with a savvy answer on if he would ever consider a football career

Gen-Z Bo had a perfect response to this question.

North Carolina State big man DJ Burns is one of the most exciting players participating in March Madness.

Burns, who has helped lead his team on an exciting run during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, is playing extraordinarily well on the court. He is getting amazing nicknames and delighting NBA players like Nikola Jokic.

But he is also generating some buzz as an NFL prospect.

During a recent interview while on The Dan Patrick Show, the NCAA tournament darling said that it isn’t surprising people are talking about him playing football because his team is “trending” right now.

He added that his plan is to play in the NBA when he finishes his college career at North Carolina State. However, if a football team really wanted his services, he wouldn’t say no:

“I’d probably explore some other options with basketball first before all of that. But I’m not a closed-minded person.”

That is a great answer from Burns! He  made it clear to basketball teams that he still wants to keep the main thing the main thing without fully shutting the door on football, either.

Patrick noted that Burns could obviously pursue opportunities to play professionally overseas as well if the NBA does not work out. He could try playing in the NBA’s G League, too.

Burns was also asked if he has heard from any football teams about pursuing a career in the NFL.

The big man said that he had not heard directly heard from anyone. Perhaps teams have reached out to people affiliated with him through North Carolina State or otherwise but it seems Burns is more focused on March Madness as of right now.

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Local Final Four star DJ Burns Jr. garnering attention from NFL execs

Rock Hill, S.C. native and NC State star DJ Burns Jr. is apparently catching the attention of some NFL scouts and GMs.

Could DJ Burns Jr. go from the block to the blindside?

With yet another dominant March Madness performance, the Rock Hill, S.C. native and North Carolina State University star is continuing to take the nation by storm. His 29-point Easter outing led the Wolfpack past the ACC rival Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA tournament’s Elite Eight round, helping give the program their first Final Four appearance since 1983.

But Burns isn’t only grabbing the attention of the basketball world. According to Fox Sports senior national writer Peter Schrager, the 6-foot-9, 275-pound forward has NFL scouts and general managers thinking a little bit outside the box . . .

This wouldn’t be the first time a local college athlete made the Final Four while football came calling. Remember that kid named Julius Peppers?

While football was obviously on the forefront for the standout defensive end, Peppers was a reserve for the University of North Carolina’s Final Four squad in 1999. The Wilson, N.C. boy only went on to become a unanimous All-American, a second overall pick, a nine-time Pro Bowler and a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

So even though Burns would have a different road to the NFL, it seems to be an open one.

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Potential Thunder draft prospect Jared McCain scores 32 points in Duke’s loss to NC State

Potential Thunder draft prospect Jared McCain scores 32 points in Duke’s loss to NC State.

The Oklahoma City Thunder could have two 2024 first-round picks in the lottery range. They own the Houston Rockets’ top-four protected pick and the Utah Jazz’s top-10 protected pick. The former looks more likely to convey to OKC than the latter.

With the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament concluded, the top prospects were in the spotlight as they drew national attention for their postseason performances.

Considering the Thunder will likely have at least one lottery pick, plenty of possible additions via the draft give fans a chance to see how they match up in high-stress situations.

One possibility is Duke guard Jared McCain. He finished with 32 points on 8-of-20 shooting, 5-of-11 from 3, 11-of-11 from the free-throw line and six rebounds in 40 minutes in No. 4 Duke’s 76-64 loss to No. 11 NC State in the Elite Eight on Sunday.

McCain will likely be a one-and-done case; the freshman guard has played a vital role in Duke’s success. In 34 games, he averaged 14 points on 46.5% shooting, five rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shot 41.5% from 3 on 5.7 attempts.

The 20-year-old is a crafty scorer who can stretch the floor. Size is an issue  at 6 feet, 3 inches and 197 pounds, but he can grow into a solid frame over time.

On the Thunder, McCain can be a crafty scorer off the bench. He can enrich their deep guard depth and can be another catch-and-shoot option for OKC.

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Potential Thunder draft prospect Kyle Filipowski struggles in Duke’s loss to NC State

Potential Thunder draft prospect Kyle Filipowski struggles in Duke’s loss to NC State.

The Oklahoma City Thunder could have two 2024 first-round picks in the lottery range. They own the Houston Rockets’ top-four protected pick and the Utah Jazz’s top-10 protected pick. The former looks more likely to convey to OKC than the latter.

With the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament concluded, the top prospects were in the spotlight as they drew national attention for their postseason performances.

Considering the Thunder will likely have at least one lottery pick, plenty of possible additions via the draft give fans a chance to see how they match up in high-stress situations.

One possibility is Duke center Kyle Filipowski. He finished with 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting, 5-of-5 from the free-throw line and nine rebounds in 30 minutes in No. 4 Duke’s 76-64 loss to No. 11 NC State in the Elite Eight on Sunday.

 

Filipowski has been the offensive hub for Duke this season. The 7-foot center can stretch the floor and pass when needed. He has an NBA-ready frame at 248 pounds, which means he should immediately contribute and not be physically overwhelmed.

In his second year at Duke, he’s averaged 17.1 points on 51% shooting, 8.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 blocks. He’s shot 35% from 3 on 3.2 attempts. The 20-year-old has led Duke to a 24-8 record and the No. 4 seed in the South Region.

The Thunder could hope to add Filipowski to add some serious size at their center spot. He could start alongside Holmgren for jumbo lineups. He’s also versatile enough to fit with OKC.

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How to buy NC State 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four tickets

Want to watch NC State’s first Final Four since 1983 in person? Tickets still remain for as little as $262.

For the first time since 1983, the North Carolina State Wolfpack are going to the Final Four.

No. 11 NC State continued its magical postseason run, defeated No. 4 Duke 76-64 behind 29 points from senior DJ Burns.

NC State will take on No. 1 Purdue in the National Semifinals on Saturday, April 6 at 6:09 p.m. EDT in Phoenix, Ariz.

SHOP: NC State vs. Purdue Final Four tickets

The NC State men join the NC State women, who clinched a Final Four berth earlier today with an upset of No. 1 Texas.

Purdue advanced to the Final Four after defeating No. 2 Tennessee on Sunday afternoon and advancing out of the Midwest Region.

Tickets to the Final Four are still available, and at the time of publication are available for as little as $262.

Final Four tickets give access to both North Carolina State vs. Purdue game and the matchup between No. 1 UConn and No. 4 Alabama.

Weekend passes are also available, giving access to both Final Four games on Saturday and Monday night’s National Championship. Weekend passes are available for as little as $470.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop NC State Final Four tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRGvP0″]

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Final Four weekend passes” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/W4n5v8Q”]

How to buy NC State 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four tickets

Want to watch NC State’s first Final Four since 1983 in person? Tickets still remain for as little as $262.

For the first time since 1983, the North Carolina State Wolfpack are going to the Final Four.

No. 11 NC State continued its magical postseason run, defeated No. 4 Duke 76-64 behind 29 points from senior DJ Burns.

NC State will take on No. 1 Purdue in the National Semifinals on Saturday, April 6 at 6:09 p.m. EDT in Phoenix, Ariz.

SHOP: NC State vs. Purdue Final Four tickets

The NC State men join the NC State women, who clinched a Final Four berth earlier today with an upset of No. 1 Texas.

Purdue advanced to the Final Four after defeating No. 2 Tennessee on Sunday afternoon and advancing out of the Midwest Region.

Tickets to the Final Four are still available, and at the time of publication are available for as little as $262.

Final Four tickets give access to both North Carolina State vs. Purdue game and the matchup between No. 1 UConn and No. 4 Alabama.

Weekend passes are also available, giving access to both Final Four games on Saturday and Monday night’s National Championship. Weekend passes are available for as little as $470.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop NC State Final Four tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRGvP0″]

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Final Four weekend passes” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/W4n5v8Q”]

How to buy Duke vs. NC State 2024 NCAA Men’s Elite Eight tickets

Want to watch No. 4 Duke vs. No. 11 NC State in person? Elite 8 tickets for the South Regional Final in Dallas still remain for as little as $83.

The third and penultimate Elite Eight matchup of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Tournament is set.

No. 4 Duke will take on No. 11 North Carolina State on Sunday, March 31, with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Fans are in store for an all-ACC South Regional Final, as we get a decisive rubber match after the Blue Devils and Wolfpack split their two matchups this season.

SHOP: Duke vs. NC State Elite Eight tickets

On Friday, NC State took an early lead over No. 2 Marquette and never looked back as the Wolfpack continued their defensive dominance holding the Golden Eagles to 12.9% from three-point range.

Duke defeated No. 1 Houston in a back-and-forth battle with the Blue Devils hanging on late and advancing by a score of 54-51.

While NC State do not consider themselves to be a cinderella story, an 11 seed making the Elite Eight is closest thing we have in this year’s tournament. Will the story end with a Duke victory, or will the fairytale live on for at least one more upset?

Elite Eight tickets for the Dallas Regional remain, and at the time of publication were available for as little as $83.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Duke vs. NC State Elite 8 tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/q3qQoPn”]