Crowds roar when he touches the ball, and opponents shake with fear when he steps on the court. He is graduate forward DJ Burns — NC State men’s basketball’s superstar.

The 6-foot-9 forward is back in Raleigh for one last dance. After emerging as a fan-favorite last season, Burns helped lead the red-and-white back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2018. However, Creighton eliminated the Wolfpack in the first round, leaving a sour taste in the team’s mouth.

“That was the most humbling experience I’ve had in basketball,” Burns said. “I had one of the worst games I’ve ever played in my life, if not the worst — it definitely gave me perspective on how hard I need to work so that never happens again.”

While the Pack’s dynamic backcourt duo of Terquavion Smith and Jarkel Joiner has moved on to professional basketball, Burns returns to NC State and is headlining an exciting roster. The forward offers the red-and-white a significant weapon in the post.

“I haven’t had a traditional back-to-the-basket guy,” said head coach Kevin Keatts. “For the first time in a couple years, I’ve got one in DJ Burns.”

To help the team take the next step, Burns has poured in many long hours to improve his own game, despite already being a star. One focus for Burns has been fitness and nutrition.

“I’m not just slimming down but also toning it up,” Burns said. “It’s kind of pointless to lose the weight if you don’t put in the work that’s going to maintain it. … I’ve completely changed my diet and took the approach from my freshman year, needing to lock in and cut out anything that’s unnecessary.”

Burns has also sharpened his skills to become a more well-rounded player. While many bigs struggle to play outside the paint, Burns is looking to make defenses respect at any spot on the court.

“I’ll still be in the post, but also have the option to extend out,” Burns said. “I’ve been working on all three levels of the game, and I’ll definitely be more of an offensive threat.”

Burns isn’t just a scorer though — he’s a proven playmaker. The Rock Hill, South Carolina native excels in finding teammates cutting inside to the basket. Last season, Burns built chemistry with graduate guard Casey Morsell, a connection that will be key in the upcoming season.

“I think he’ll be even better,” Morsell said. “Our chemistry is at the highest it’s ever been — I know where to find him, and he knows where to find me.”

While Burns is best known for his work on the hardwood, he’s also become the ultimate teammate and the face of a team with many new additions. As the leader of the Pack, Burns has worked to welcome the seven new transfers to the team as they adjust to a new environment.

“I’m just doing anything to help them feel at home,” Burns said. “I know how it was for me being one of the new guys coming in. …I helped all of them move in, and I’m just doing anything I can.”

Additionally, Burns has organized group activities to bring the team together. From meeting with teammates for dinner to having paintball competitions, the veteran built team chemistry all throughout the offseason.

“I’m the type of guy where I’ve never met a stranger, so when those guys came in, one of the first days I was like ‘Let’s all go bowling or play paintball,’” Burns said. “When you see someone in the gym it’s totally different — someone may be loud on the court and the quietest person you’ve ever met or vice-versa.”

With Burns taking the lead, NC State is in good hands. The leader of the Pack has done everything to prepare himself and his teammates for the 2023-24 season. After months of training, studying and bonding, Burns and the Wolfpack are ready to take the next step this season.

“I’m excited,” Burns said. “We’re coming for everybody that’s in front of us — I don’t care who it is.”

There is no doubt that this is Burns’ team. He’s put in the work to be a star on and off of the court, and it has paid off, as his teammates, coaches and fans have all embraced him.

“The way they’ve embraced me has been way more than I ever thought it would be,” Burns said. “I didn’t think that every time I touched the ball they’d be chanting my name. … It just makes you want to work that much harder, knowing that there’s a whole city behind you.”

DJ Burns and the Wolfpack will take the court Monday, Nov. 6 against The Citadel at PNC Arena to tip off a promising 2023-24 season.