DJ Burns nickname, explained: Why NC State star is called 'Gen-Z Bo' during March Madness

David Suggs

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DJ Burns nickname, explained: Why NC State star is called 'Gen-Z Bo' during March Madness image

Basketball is a sport steeped in history. Every shot, every move, every play has been influenced by ghosts of the past. Their impact swirls across the hardwood at any moment's notice.

NC State's trek to the Final Four has been highlighted by a figure whose game is eerily reminiscent of that of a past generation. DJ Burns is one of college basketball's true time-travelers, a much-beloved paint plunderer the likes of which has rarely been seen in the modern college game.

Burns pairs skillfulness with size. He treats defenders like rag dolls, tossing them aside as he attempts to find space on the block.

It has some yearning for the greats of the past, including former Grizzlies and Trail Blazers standout Zach Randolph.

Such a desire could very well explain Burns' nickname. He's commonly referred to by his pseudonym, "Gen-Z Bo."

Here's the skinny on Burns' menacing moniker.

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What is DJ Burns' nickname?

Burns is one of college basketball's great paint specialists. As such, he shares a sobriquet with one of the great post scorers of his childhood, Zach Randolph.

Burns has increasingly become known as "Gen Z-Bo" by masses of internet users.

DJ Burns' nickname, explained

Burns' pen name stems from his similarities to Randolph, a player with a frame and game that compares very favorably to Randolph's.

Randolph was christened with the nickname "Z-Bo" during his childhood, a play on D-Bo (Deebo), the harrowing antagonist in F. Gary Gray's classic, "Friday." To that end, Burns' nickname — "Gen-Z Bo" — refers to the fact that he's a part of Gen-Z (Burns is 23) and that he looks quite similar to Randolph when he's on the floor.

Much like Randolph, Burns is a bruising left-handed presence in the post. He has a little more weight on him than his predecessor — Burns is 275 pounds, 25 more than Randolph was at his pomp.

Nevertheless, he uses his imposing physique to his advantage, much like the former two-time NBA All-Star.

Burns has had fun with the Randolph comparison over the course of his career. He famously told reporters that, despite studying Hakeem Olajuwon's elegant footwork, he was blessed with "a Zach Randolph body."

History repeats itself, and if Burns' nickname is any indication, he might have quite the basketball career ahead of him.

DJ Burns Jr. stats

Season School Games PTS REB AST FG
2019-20 Winthrop 33 11.9 4.1 1.2 58.3%
2020-21 Winthrop 25 10.1 3.4 0.6 58.2%
2021-22 Winthrop 32 15.0 4.5 1.1 62.6%
2022-23 NC State 34 12.5 4.8 1.5 56.1%
2023-24 NC State 38 12.8 4.1 2.7 52.7%

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.