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Former NC State Star Signs Professional Contract After Summer League Tryout

By Joe Summers

Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward DJ Burns Jr. (30) and guard DJ Horne (0) react in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack forward DJ Burns Jr. (30) and guard DJ Horne (0) react in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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Former NC State star DJ Horne officially landed his first professional basketball contract, signing to play wth MLP Academics Heidelberg of the German Bundesliga.

After going undrafted despite speculation he'd sneak into the second round, Horne played in the NBA Summer League with the San Antonio Spurs. He played sparingly but has a proven reputation as a leader and consistent scorer, making him a logical fit for a team overseas.

Horne hopes to prove himself before coming back to the United States though has an excellent opportunity to shine in Germany.

NC State News: DJ Horne Signs Overseas Contract in German Bundesliga

One of the driving forces behind NC State's magical run to the Final Four, Horne averaged 16.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 40.4% from beyond the arc in his lone season with the Wolfpack.

He earned Second-Team All-ACC honors and raised his game in the biggest moments, notably dropping 29 points in the ACC Tournament Finals against North Carolina and putting up 20 points a piece against Duke and Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.

While Horne could've worked his way into playing time for a G League team, this contract gives him an opportunity to immediately shine. MLP Academics Heidelberg finished 9-25 last season in 16th place out of 18 teams, so they're in desperate need of reinforcements across the board.

Horne can be that reinforcement. He helped transform NC State's program in just one season, now hoping to have a similar impact overseas. It's an exciting opportunity for the former Wolfpack star and we hope he shines and soon finds himself back pursuing his NBA dream.

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