When NC State’s DJ Burns was giving his acceptance speech after receiving the 2024 ACC Tournament MVP Award, Burns had the following quote to say when asked what he wanted to say to the fans.
“I’m going to keep it real simple. Thank you to the ones who’ve been consistent throughout the ride, and welcome back everybody else.”
Burns’ words struck a chord.
Throughout much of this season, it was embarrassing to see all the empty seats in PNC Arena.
As the Wolfpack lost 7 of their final 9 regular season games, it was clear that this team wasn’t just losing games, but they were also losing much of the fanbase.
It’s clear from Burns’ words that the empty seats were noticed, and so were the words of fans online.
NC State finished the regular season 10th, and much of the fanbase was frustrated, and rightfully so.
But, frustrated doesn’t have to mean giving up.
‘Never giving up’ is kind of supposed to be NC State’s thing.
The words of Jimmy V reverberate throughout the history of NC State basketball.
This team didn’t always put W’s in the Win column this season, and it wasn’t always an easy watch, but never for a moment were these players not playing as hard as they could for their school, one another, and their coach.
They never gave up.
Fans have a right to be frustrated, but you can still show up for a team, even when they struggle, because that’s what loyal fans do. When players wear a jersey with NC State across the chest, and they don’t give up, their fans shouldn’t either.
NC State fans aren’t known to be fair weather fans. Let’s not get in the business of leading our players to think we are.
But, like Burns said, whether you’ve been along for the ride all season or not, it’s time to hop on.
I just think it’s too little too late for Doeren. I mean what is he going to show in season 5 that he hasn’t shown in 4 seasons. No notable wins at all in 4 seasons. But how many coaches would take the job knowing their AD is leaving in 2 years? The timing sucks for a coaching change.