Burns has been a problem for all teams so far
by pmoose (2024-04-01 08:40:23)

In reply to: DJ Burns was quite a problem for Duke.  posted by irishhawk49


And with as much contact as they've let go in this post-season, I'm not surprised they allow him to keep backing down his man. I have seen a lot more other things being let go that I would want called before what Burns is "getting away with", so to speak.

Duke tried to use the strategy of not doubling Burns, because the teams that have doubled Burns most the time so far have gotten burned (pun intended). It was looking like they might be able to use that strategy and win, but NC State was able to throw Duke off their offensive rhythm in the second half, and Burns was able to score easily when they didn't double him and find the open man when they did.

Now against Purdue, I imagine they will try to not double and count on Edey to be able to defend Burns. Despite Burns's size, he's quicker than Edey so will be able to get to the rim against Edey. However, with Edey's length, he may be able to recover and block Burns after Burns beats him. I think Purude will win that battle and it will be the difference in who wins on Saturday, but I have enjoyed adopting NC State as my team that I have been following during this NCAA tournament (a good friend of mine graduated from there).


I expect Kauffman-Renn to be guarding Burns. *
by Jeash  (2024-04-01 16:14:09)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


That will be a good matchup. *
by irishhawk49  (2024-04-01 17:05:12)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


Foul trouble for either will tell the tale. *
by doug dascenzo  (2024-04-01 12:52:35)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


I had a similar situation in HS against an all-state OL...
by ndgenius  (2024-04-01 11:14:59)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

He was probably 6' and 270lbs and I was 6'4 and a twig. I could not do anything to get around him but when he was able to get around me, I was able to recover and block his shot. I actually came close to a school record for blocked shots that night with 8 blocks. With Edey's length I think he'll easily be able to do the same thing and I think he'll be able to neutralize Burns.


It’s the most interesting matchup in the tournament.
by usaf_irish  (2024-04-01 11:14:31)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

I’m generally down on Edey. I think his footwork is mediocre at best and he relies too much on length and size to make up for his general lack of athleticism. Nothing I’ve seen from him this year makes me believe that’s ever going to change.

Burns can out quick him with little to no effort. But that length is going to be a huge problem.

If I’m NC State, I’m spending the first 5-7 minutes of the game going right at him to see if I can draw some cheap fouls and get him on the bench and let Burns cook.