Very few players embodied the magic and allure of March quite like DJ Burns during his 2024 NCAA Tournament run with the NC State Wolfpack. His personality and clutch performances helped fuel one of the most memorable Final Four runs in recent history along with an ACC Tournament title that still hits across the conference. So when a move involving one of NC State’s own affects its biggest rival, people tend to listen when Burns speaks.
That is what happened this week when former Wolfpack guard Matt Able transferred to the North Carolina Tar Heels. The move adds another chapter to one of college basketball’s fiercest rivalries, and Burns’ reaction made the moment bigger. His message was short, but it carried weight, personality and just enough edge to get fans talking.
Matt Able’s Commitment Adds Fuel To UNC-NC State Rivalry
Able’s decision to head to Chapel Hill is significant on multiple levels. The 6-foot-6 freshman showed flashes of high-level potential during ACC play, averaging more than nine points per game while shooting better than 37% from beyond the arc. He proved he could rise to the momen by scoring 19 points against North Carolina.
For a UNC program now led by Michael Malone, adding a player such as Able checks several boxes. He brings size on the wing, perimeter shooting and familiarity with the ACC. More importantly, he brings experience against the very team he is joining, which adds a unique wrinkle heading into the season ahead.
But moves like this are never just about roster construction. When a player crosses Tobacco Road, it becomes personal for fans, alumni and former players.
DJ Burns Keeps It Real With Viral Message
That is where Burns stepped in.
Reacting to Able’s commitment on Instagram, Burns wrote:
“Go be great brother I like u more than I dont like them”
The message perfectly captured the complicated emotions tied to rivalry moves. There is respect for the player, but also a clear acknowledgment of the rivalry that never fades. It is the kind of comment that feels authentic, not filtered, and that is exactly why it resonated.
Burns has always been known for his personality as much as his production. During his college career, he went from a dominant force at Winthrop to a national star at NC State, ultimately earning ACC Tournament MVP honors while leading the Wolfpack to a historic postseason run. Moments like this show that even as his playing career continues professionally, he remains deeply connected to the college game and its storylines.
What This Means Moving Forward
Able’s arrival at UNC is more than just another transfer portal addition. It shows the evolving reality of college basketball, where rivalries extend into roster movement and offseason headlines.
For North Carolina, it is a clear sign the program is aggressively building under Malone. For NC State, it is another reminder of how quickly rosters can change in the modern era.
And for fans, it is exactly what makes the sport compelling yearround.
