NC State has emerged as the Cinderella story of this year’s March Madness tournament. Initially not expected to make it to the Big Dance, the Wolfpack defied the odds by embarking on a remarkable journey through the ACC Tournament, ultimately securing an 11-seed.
Since then, they have maintained their momentum with consecutive victories. Leading the charge is forward DJ Burns, whose stellar performances have been instrumental in the team’s success.
The Winthrop transfer has consistently delivered, scoring in double figures in all seven of NC State’s postseason games, including an impressive 24-point performance in the recent showdown against Oakland. His standout play has propelled him into the spotlight, earning him widespread recognition as a college basketball sensation.
NC State supporters have been vocal in their appreciation, rallying behind Burns with fervor during the team’s games in Pittsburgh last weekend, cheering loudly every time he touched the ball.
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Thanks in large part to Burns’ contributions, the Wolfpack secured a spot in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2015. As they gear up for a Friday matchup against Marquette, Burns has been making waves in the sports media, revealing an intriguing side venture.
In a recent interview with the Pardon My Take crew, Burns disclosed his lesser-known side hustle: owning vending machines as a means of generating additional income off the court.
“I own a few vending machines. I have two myself,” Burns revealed during the interview. He explained that the idea was introduced to him by former Auburn player Josh Dollard and their trainer, Gabe Blair, as a way to diversify his income streams beyond basketball.
This entrepreneurial spirit seems to have been cultivated even before Burns joined NC State, where he has since become known as the “NIL King,” capitalizing on various opportunities such as partnerships with local businesses and television commercials.
A true businessman both on and off the court, Burns is thriving with NC State and is determined to conclude his college basketball career with a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With the Wolfpack’s remarkable journey thus far, an Elite Eight appearance is within reach, and Burns is poised to play a pivotal role in their continued success.