Michigan basketball announces addition of Nimari Burnett
Michigan has inked its third transfer in as many days with the addition of former Alabama guard Nimari Burnett, who committed to the program in early April. He joins former Tennessee forward Olivier Nkamhoua and former Seton Hall wing/forward Tray Jackson as members of the 2023-24 Wolverines out of the transfer portal.
Burnett has as many as two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Burnett (6-4, 195), a former McDonald’s All-American, began his college career at Texas Tech before transferring after his freshman year. He averaged 5.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists this season for the Crimson Tide in less than 20 minutes per game, shooting 36.8 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from three. On3’s Transfer Portal Ranking has Burnett as a four-star prospect entering his new program.
Burnett and Howard have a Chicago connection that dates back to his recruitment during the 2020 class. Injuries have hampered him early in his career, but he gets another chance at a rebound at Michigan. There will be plenty of minutes available at guard.
Burnett’s career has been a bit of a roller coaster. He left Texas Tech his freshman year to transfer to Alabama, then hurt his knee prior to the 2021-22 season and never played, taking a medical redshirt. He was part of the starting lineup for the Crimson Tide this year before injuring his wrist and regressing into a role player.
This is a fresh start for Burnett, who has never quite found his footing at the college level. He will have an opportunity to play for a starting job, which could accelerate his development if he is able to stay on the floor.
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“I have watched and gotten to know Nimari for several years,” head coach Juwan Howard said in a statement released Thursday evening. “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.”
“I’m very excited to become a part of the Michigan program,” said Burnett. “This is a great opportunity for me to learn from someone of Juwan’s caliber as well as from some of the best basketball minds in the country. I have heard so much about the Maize and Blue faithful and I am really looking forward to interacting with them, the Maize Rage and all the students on campus. If all goes well we could all have a special year.”
Michigan has a pair of scholarships remaining after adding the three transfers and a true freshman in 2024 in three-star combo guard George Washington III. The Wolverines might not yet be done adding to the roster, either. The roster could use another guard and a true backup center to soon-to-be sophomore Tarris Reed.
