NC State's DJ Burns Jr. vs Purdue's Zach Edey: Clash of NCAA Tournament Titans

The anticipated showdown between the North Carolina State University's (NC State) No. 11 seed and Purdue University's No. 1 seed in the Final Four sets the stage for a metaphorical David vs. Goliath battle. But the literal clash of titans is embodied by the towering figures of Purdue's Zach Edey and NC State's DJ Burns Jr.

Edey, standing at a colossal 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, epitomizes the colossal force in college basketball. On the other hand, Burns, at a burly 6-9 and 275 pounds, has propelled NC State to its first Final Four appearance since 1983. Both players have been dominant forces in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, propelling their teams to the pinnacle of the tourney. The forthcoming face-off between these two giants is poised to be one of the most compelling individual showdowns of March Madness.

Tale of the Tape

Below is a comparison of key statistics and details between DJ Burns Jr. and Zach Edey:

• DJ Burns Jr.
  • Height: 6-9
  • Weight: 275 pounds
  • Year: Senior
  • Hometown: Rock Hill, South Carolina
  • Points per game: 13.0
  • Rebounds per game: 4.1
  • Field Goal Percentage: 53.40%
  • Blocks per game: 0.6
• Zach Edey
  • Height: 7-4
  • Weight: 300 pounds
  • Year: Senior
  • Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
  • Points per game: 25.0
  • Rebounds per game: 12.2
  • Field Goal Percentage: 62.40%
  • Blocks per game: 2.2

Similar yet Unique Styles

Despite their physical disparities, Burns and Edey exhibit remarkably similar styles of play, adding an extra layer of excitement to this eagerly awaited matchup. NC State coach Kevin Keatts acknowledged Burns' traditional back-to-the-basket post play, emphasizing his scoring ability, which sets him apart as a rare asset in the modern game. In contrast, Edey is an aggressive scorer and prime presence on the court, leading college basketball in scoring for the season. Burns, akin to Nikola Jokic, displays an old-school game, excelling in distributing the ball and igniting his teammates. His finesse lies in being a pass-first lefty big, underscoring his versatility with 14 assists in his last four games.

The Showdown

This titanic clash is a rare spectacle in the current landscape of college basketball, pitting two throwback centers against each other. With Edey as the most effective player in college basketball over the past two seasons and Burns emerging as a scorching force from the South Regional, the impending face-off between Purdue and NC State is set to be defined by the colossal impact of these two standout players. In the grandest stage of their respective seasons, the fate of their teams rests on the shoulders of these monumental players. The thrilling head-to-head between Edey and Burns promises to be a mesmerizing spectacle and an electrifying highlight of March Madness.