Redshirt freshman forward DJ Burns had reportedly put his name in the NCAA transfer portal a little over a week ago. On Thursday morning, he confirmed that news by announcing where he is transferring to.
Burns announced on Twitter that he is transfering to Winthrop for the upcoming 2019-20 season. Burns, who hails from Rock Hill, South Carolina, added that “it feels good to be home” on his tweet. Winthrop is in Rock Hill.
IT FEELS GOOD TO BE HOME‼️🔋God’s Plan🙏🏾 #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/HCbdXQiWTq
— DJ Burns (@beastboyburns) July 11, 2019
Burns signed with the Vols last offseason after reclassifying from the 2019 class into the 2018 class. The former four-star prospect out of Rock Hill, South Carolina sat out the 2018-19 season and took a redshirt to get more physically in shape and to work on his conditioning.
The 6-foot-8 forward joined Tennessee north of 270 pounds, and he was reportedly down to at least 250 pounds if not slimmer after one year in UT’s strength and conditioning program. Burns was ranked as the No. 108 overall prospect and No. 14 center in the 2018 class after his reclassification.
Burns was the highest-rated player on Tennessee’s roster during the 2018-19 season, though he didn’t play a single minute. He was expected to play a big role on Tennessee’s team in the 2019-20 season due to the major upheaval of UT’s frontcourt this offseason. Starting center Kyle Alexander graduated, and two-time SEC Player of the Year and All-American forward Grant Williams declared early for the NBA Draft. Backup forward Derrick Walker transferred to Nebraska this offseason as well.
The Vols now have a scholarship available on their 2019-20 roster. Tennessee could add a transfer or a late addition to their 2019 signing class if they choose. UT’s coaches could also save that scholarship for the 2020 recruiting class for the 2020-21 roster.
