ROCK HILL, SC—Winthrop head men's basketball coach Pat Kelsey has announced on Thursday the signing of transfer D.J. Burns for the 2019-20 season.
 
Burns, a standout at York Preparatory Academy in Rock Hill, transferred to Winthrop after redshirting his freshman season at the University of Tennessee. The 6-9, 250 pound forward was originally the Class of 2019 but reclassified, graduated one year early and then became a member of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team for the 2018-19 season.
 
"D.J. is an extremely talented young man that will be a difference maker for our program," said Kelsey. "But what strikes me most is his humility. He wants to be part of something great here at Winthrop. His smile lights up a room and his energy is infectious. Everyone talks about the football factory that Rock Hill is but DJ Burns is one of the best basketball talents our beloved city has ever produced. And he's coming home. If there was ever a time to rally around our tradition rich program it's now. I suggest getting your tickets soon. As always (but ESPECIALLY now), Rock The Hill."
 
Coming out of high school Burns was a four-star recruit and the third-ranked prospect in the state of South Carolina according to 247Sports.com industry composite for the Class of 2018. The two prospects ranked ahead of Burns were Zion Williamson (#1 pick in 2019 NBA Draft) and Ja Morant (#2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft). In addition he was also the nation's 12^th-ranked center and 103^rd among all prospects nationally. He scored more than 1,000 points and hauled in more than 1,000 rebounds in his career at York Prep.