Donald S. Burness (June 1, 1919 – March 3, 1987) was an All-American basketball player at Stanford University.
"[2] In his senior year of 1942, Burness helped Stanford to a 28–4 record, and he was named a second-team All-American for the season.
[3] In the postseason, the Indians beat Oregon State to advance to the western regional of 1942 NCAA men's basketball championship.
Despite missing two key starters, Stanford prevailed over Dartmouth, 53–38, to win its only NCAA men's basketball title to date.
[3][4] Following his college career, Burness played for the Oakland Bittners of the Amateur Athletic Union.