Burns grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina and attended Clover Intermediate School, standing 6'7" in eighth grade. He enrolled at York Preparatory Academy.[1] As a freshman, Burns averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds per game.[2] He averaged 14.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3.1 blocks per game as a sophomore. As a junior, Burns averaged 14.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, earning MVP honors of the C. Dan Joyner Poinsettia Classic and the USA National Prep Championship. He reclassified from the Class of 2019 to the Class of 2018.[3] In three seasons, Burns recorded over 1,000 career points and over 1,000 rebounds. A top 100 recruit, Burns committed to playing college basketball for Tennessee in June 2018, choosing the Volunteers over offers from South Carolina and Virginia.[4]
College career
Burns redshirted his freshman season at Tennessee and lost weight. Following the season, he transferred to Winthrop and received a waiver for immediate eligibility. Burns was named Big South Freshman of the Year.[1] He averaged 11.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.[5] As a sophomore, Burns averaged 10.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, earning Honorable Mention All-Big South honors.[6] He declared for the 2021 NBA draft, but ultimately returned to Winthrop.[7] In his junior season debut, he scored a career-high 30 points in a 110–78 win against Mary Baldwin University.[8] As a junior, Burns was named Big South Player of the Year.[9]
In May 2022, Burns announced he would play for NC State in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 2022–23 season.[10] At the conclusion of that season, Burns was named All-ACC Honorable mention.[11] On March 16, 2024, Burns was named ACC Tournament MVP after leading NC State to its first ACC crown since 1987.[12] Burns had 20 points, 7 assists, and hit the only three-pointer of his college career in the Championship game against rival North Carolina.[13] On March 31, 2024, Burns was named MOP of the NCAA Tournament's South Region after leading NC State to its first Final Four since 1983.[14] Burns scored 29 points in the Elite Eight game against rival Duke.[15]
Burns's father, Dwight Sr., is the agent in charge of York County for South Carolina Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. His mother, Takela, is an assistant principal at Mount Gallant Elementary School.[1] Burns has a younger sister, Nadia. He is a multi-instrumentalist, playing the stand-up bass, tuba, piano, handbells and saxophone.[2] Burns is a devout Christian.[18]
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