Nimari Burnett downplays on-court impact of media scrutiny surrounding Darius Miles, Brandon Miller

Alabama had one of the program’s all-time great seasons and the on-court accomplishments will forever be celebrated. What happened away from basketball will always be mentioned as well, with the names of Darius Miles and Brandon Miller being brought up. The former currently has a capital murder charge to his name, while Miller was the story of college basketball after being present on the scene.

Nimari Burnett played a role for Alabama this season but just entered the NCAA transfer portal. He was asked if the situation was ever a distraction for the Crimson Tide. Burnett pushed back at the idea, especially for the Sweet Sixteen loss on Friday.

“I don’t think that was the case,” Burnett said via Next Round Live. “We had a great season all season. We got guys that were mentally tough and handled it great. … We didn’t finish strong, and I don’t believe it had to do with that.”

Scrutiny around the program really elevated from the media in late February when Miller’s name became associated with the case. A Feb. 22 game against South Carolina was the first time on the court and while Alabama as a team looked shaky, Miller dropped 41 points plus the game-tying and game-winning shots.

Alabama went on to win the SEC regular season and tournament championship before earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Nate Oats saw his team pegged as favorites to win the national championship as well before crashing out to the eventual Final Four participants, San Diego State.

Burnett mentions how Alabama was a mentally tough team and Oats preached the same back in January after Miles was arrested. He later discussed Miller, saying the freshman was strong himself and was not a distraction for the team, echoing the sentiment of Burnett.

“We’re really proud,” Oats said before a Jan. 25 game against Mississippi State. “A lot of mentally tough guys that are able to focus on what they need to focus on. (Yet) still have compassion for a rough situation,” said Oats. “Even before the game, we kind of gathered together. Noah Gurley leads the team in prayer. He prayed for the people involved in the situation, prayed for us to be able to focus. And I thought they did a good job.”

“I think our leadership is good…All of them,” Oats said. “Guys are just able to control what they can control, focus on what they can focus on. And they’ve been focused on what they need to.”

All three of Burnett, Miles, and Miller are not expected to be back with the team next season for different reasons. Miles was dismissed back in January after the capital murder charge. Miller has not formally announced but is presumed to be off to the NBA, where he will be a top pick. Burnett is looking for his third school in four years.

Those in Tuscaloosa will always be wondering ‘what if’ when it came to this Alabama team. But at least they will now know, the off-the-court issues did not play a huge factor.