In the high-stakes world of professional sports, athletes often face the daunting task of maintaining peak physical condition while juggling the expectations of scouts from various fields. DJ Burns Jr., a standout player from NC State Wolfpack, recently found himself at the center of this whirlwind.
After a stellar performance leading his team to the Final Four, where they faced a tough loss to Purdue, Burns became a favorite subject of NFL scouts. His impressive agility and substantial build made many wonder if he might switch the basketball court for the football field.
However, Burns has decisively closed the door on those NFL rumors. NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that Burns has undergone a significant physical transformation, shedding 45 pounds in just six and a half weeks. The transformation wasn’t achieved through shortcuts. “No Ozempic was used during these 45 pounds lost,” stated Burns and his representative, highlighting his commitment to hard work and traditional training methods.
Inside DJ Burns’ Training Regimen
The details of Burns’ weight loss journey are nothing short of inspiring. According to a tweet from @RunItBackFDTV, Burns shared, “He told me no Ozempic, he said he’s been doing workouts 4 days a week, at 5 am.”
This rigorous schedule underscores not only his dedication but also his preference for basketball over any other sport. Burns’ former coach at NC State, Kevin Keatts, supported this decision, emphasizing that Burns was always more of a gentle giant off the court, contradicting the aggressive persona often associated with NFL players.
Despite his previous size of 275 pounds, Burns was already known for his mobility. Now, lighter and presumably even more agile, it remains to be seen how this change will affect his gameplay. His performance during the NCAA tournament, where he averaged 16.2 points and shot an impressive 62.5 percent from the field, already set high expectations.
DJ Burns’ Impact on and Off the Court
Burns’ dedication is apparent not only in his physical preparation but also in his style of play, which has drawn comparisons to NBA’s three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic. Jokic himself praised Burns during the NCAA tournament, remarking on his skill after a 29-point game against Duke: “He was so skilled.” Like Jokic, Burns possesses a unique ability to score and facilitate, making him a formidable opponent in single coverage.
This recent transformation might just be the tipping point for NBA teams considering Burns in the upcoming draft. His unwavering commitment to basketball, coupled with his improved physical fitness, positions him as a more versatile and dynamic player.
The Future Awaits DJ Burns
As the NBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on DJ Burns, not just for his athletic prowess but for his proven track record of discipline and improvement. While the NFL scouts might be disappointed, basketball fans and analysts are eager to see how Burns’ new physique and enduring dedication impact his career on the NBA courts. It’s clear that for DJ Burns, the game of basketball isn’t just a career choice—it’s a passion.
Source: Fansided
