Report: Former Alabama transfer Nimari Burnett to be immediately eligible at Michigan, per father

One of Michigan’s additions from the transfer portal will reportedly be eligible to play this coming season. Nimari Burnett is set to graduate from Alabama in August, meaning he’ll be a graduate transfer and immediately eligible, CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported Tuesday.

Burnett’s father confirmed the news with Rothstein, saying his son will graduate from Alabama Aug. 5.

Last season, Burnett averaged 5.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 36.8% from the floor. He started his career at Texas Tech in 2020-21 before entering the portal and making his way to Alabama. He missed his first year with the Crimson Tide after suffering a knee injury.

Burnett announced his commitment to Michigan March 30, confirming his decision with On3’s Joe Tipton. Now that he’ll be a graduate transfer, he can make an impact on the Wolverines right away.

“Michigan is the best place for me to thrive, offensively and defensively,” Burnett told Tipton. “I’ve known coach Juwan Howard for a long time now, ever since I was a kid. I’ve always had a good relationship with him and I just felt it was the best place for me to be.”

Michigan announced Burnett’s addition earlier this month with plans for him to be a graduate transfer. Now that he has a set graduation date, he’ll be on the court for Michigan

“I have watched and gotten to know Nimari for several years,” Michigan coach Juwan Howard said in a statement. “He has that ‘feel’ for the game that is just unique. This is why he has continued to excel on both ends of the floor. We also love his length, toughness and passion for the game. Nimari’s work ethic and leadership is off the charts. We can’t wait for him to get here.”

Burnett played high school basketball at Prolific Prep, but is a Chicago native. He is a former four-star recruit, coming in the No. 29-ranked prospect in the nation from the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Burnett is one of three transfer additions for Michigan this cycle, all of which were graduate transfers. Former Tennessee forward Olivier Nkhamoua and Seton Hall transfer forward Tray Jackson are also in the fold for the Wolverines, who are coming off an 18-16 overall record and an 11-9 mark in Big Ten play last year to punch a ticket to the NIT.