Report: Alabama transfer guard suffers ‘serious knee injury’

Alabama guard Nimari Burnett suffered a ‘serious knee injury’ over Labor Day weekend, according to the Tuscaloosa News’ Cecil Hurt. It was later revealed Burnett’s injury was a season-ending ACL tear, according to multiple online reports.

Burnett transferred to Alabama this offseason after spending his freshman year at Texas Tech. The Tuscaloosa News reports that the extent of the injury has not yet been confirmed and a timeline for his return is not set.

Burnett is a former four-star recruit and 2020 McDonald’s All-American who averaged 5.3 points and 1.8 rebounds for Texas Tech. He shot 88.9 percent from the free throw line but struggled from the field, shooting just 28 percent with four made 3-pointers.

Entering his sophomore season with immediate eligibility, Alabama expected Burnett to take a step forward with his new team. Alabama’s staff recruited the 6-foot-4 guard in high school and continued to follow him when he entered the transfer portal this year.

More injuries at Alabama

Prior to losing Nimari Burnett, Alabama lost one of its returning contributors to a knee injury this offseason. Senior forward James Rojas tore his ACL and underwent surgery in June. According to reports, the Alabama staff is hopeful Rojas will make a return before the end of the regular season.

The Crimson Tide also has a key player coming back from an injury sustained last season. Alex Tchikou, a 6-foot-11 center, missed all of his freshman season with a torn Achilles.

2021 outlook

Alabama is coming off a Sweet Sixteen run in the 2020 NCAA Tournament. The team loses three of its top contributors with the departure of Herb Jones, John Petty and Josh Primo to the NBA.

In addition to Burnett, Alabama brings in Furman transfer Noah Gurley for the 2021 season.

Nate Oats and his staff were also able to retain their top returning scorer Jaden Shackelford after a short stint in the transfer portal. The team has reloaded with young talent, adding five-star point guard JD Davison and four-star center Charles Bediako.