Page 17 - Michael Oconnell News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

GLENDALE, Ariz. — DJ Burns Jr. isn’t interested in spending a lot of time catching the ball on the perimeter and trying to show off a shimmying crossover dribble before chucking 3-pointers for North Carolina State. No, he’s content to catch an entry pass, use his size to back down an opponent, then turn to make a winning read to shoot or pass. It isn’t much different for Purdue’s 7-foot-4 reigning national player of the year Zach Edey. Or for Connecticut’s 7-2 Donovan Clingan with game-changing defensive potential.

The big men own this year's Final Four. Purdue's Zach Edey, North Carolina State's DJ Burns Jr. and Connecticut's Donovan Clingan have provided dominating paint presences during March Madness. Edey …

North Carolina State's unlikely run in this year's NCAA tournament has been propelled by their charming star DJ Burns Jr., whose big size and big personality have made him a fan favorite this March.

The big men at Purdue, UConn and NC State will shine on the big stage this weekend. Hopefully the stage is big enough to handle them.

Michael O’Connell's improbable 3-pointer helped North Carolina State's unlikely run to the Final Four. Along with it, a bigger payday for the Atlantic Coast Conference.