NC State Basketball
DJ Burns Had a Word for Wolfpack Fans After Winning the ACC Championship
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.
OK to be disappointed or frustrated. Its up to fans to decide how they want to deal with that frustration. Those repetitively campaigning for coaches head during the season, calling out players sayings stuff like they ‘should never play again’ told us more about them than any coach or player. Their lack of appreciation for how hard it all is, and oversimplification of the game, and simple lack of respect was on full display. And some even trolled others that showed respect in their comments and appreciate for the challenges that come with coaching NCSU basketball. It may be one… Read more »
I went back and looked at the record Valvano had at State. We made the tournament in most years and of course the 83 season occurred. However, his overall ACC record was 71-69. I was greatly surprised at that. KK is 63-68. Another surprise and not far from Valvano’s record. One really good year and he could surpass it since he now has his contract extension. I have shown my frustration and do own it. I would like to take back everything I have said about O’Connell since he has really picked up his game. He does look like he… Read more »
Cool. Like I said, complain or whatever but simply show some respect and appreciation. Don’t campaign against a coach (and by association the players who love him) during the season. Give KK some leeway as well. Jimmy V didn’t have a rebuilding job, he had key players when he took over. Jimmy V didn’t come in with and NCAA cloud over the program. Jimmy V didn’t have his top center AND starting fwd both go out for the season, amidst a rebuilding year coming off major Covid disruption, which kept us from having another NCAAT appearance at a key time… Read more »
Where was this desire to win during the regular season? Had you guys and coaches performed like you did in the last five games during the regular season, the stands would have been full all the time. What the team did during the ACCT was a miracle or seemed that way based on previous results. So fans were really frustrated and probably said a lot of things that deep down didn’t mean. Since I graduated in 1974, we have been and once were a basketball school. Since Valvano we have had fleeting success but basically long term frustration. DJ you… Read more »
I have noticed many of your comments and it seems you always hit a sour note. First of all don’t you think the players, coaches are all trying to win every game. I get frustrated too but remember the ACC is a difficult conference and that KK was building a new team with 7 new players and others who remained from last year. That isn’t an easy task…sometimes it takes a year or more(which coaches don’t have any longer). But DJ’s comments were NOT a lecture. It was as gracious a comment a player could make about fan support. He… Read more »
Actually, it was 8 new players counting Rice. Burns did not have to welcome me back as I have never left the players. If this generation can’t take a little criticism, then I feel sorry for them coping with life in the coming years. I too graduated in 74 and we streaked around campus that night. One miracle weekend makes the fan base even more hungry for success. So if it doesn’t come, don’t expect the older fans to be so sympathetic as our years are limited. I imagine prior to the start of the ACCT, you had thoughts that… Read more »