Juwan Howard and the Michigan basketball coaching staff made headlines Thursday when they landed the Alabama transfer Nimari Burnett. With Jett Howard declaring for the NBA draft earlier in the week, Burnett may be exactly what Michigan needs in a wing player.
Nimari Burnett played high school ball for Prolific Prep in Napa, California. He attended high school from 2016 to 2020 and was considered one of the top prospects in the nation during his high school career.
Burnett’s freshman year was spent at Morgan Park High School in Chicago, where he played varsity basketball and helped lead the team to a 27-4 record and a Class 3A state championship. After his freshman year, Burnett transferred to Napa, California, to attend Prolific Prep, a well-known basketball academy.
During his time at Prolific Prep, Burnett became one of the most highly touted recruits in the country. As a sophomore, he averaged 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game and was named the MVP of the Grind Session World Championship after leading Prolific Prep to the title.
NEWS: Alabama transfer Nimari Burnett has committed to Michigan, he tells @On3sports.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 30, 2023
Former McDonald’s All-American. Began his career at Texas Tech.
Story: https://t.co/dNWMlVTTvq pic.twitter.com/nQ46sLB7eH
Burnett’s junior year saw him continue to improve his game, as he averaged 20.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He was named a McDonald’s All-American nominee and participated in the prestigious Nike EYBL circuit.
As a senior, Burnett suffered a hand injury that limited him to just nine games. Despite the injury, he still averaged 23.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
In terms of recruiting rankings, Burnett was highly sought after by many top college basketball programs. He was rated as a five-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN, and a four-star prospect by Rivals. He was ranked as the No. 19 player in the country by 247Sports, the No. 22 player by ESPN, and the No. 27 player by Rivals.
Ultimately, Burnett committed to Texas Tech University, where he played one season before transferring to Alabama. He struggled to live up to his potential at Alabama, averaging just 14.6 minutes and 5.6 points per game.
Michigan basketball looks to rebound from one of its most disappointing seasons in recent memory and Nimari Burnett looks like he could be a significant piece of the puzzle. He has the raw talent and ability to make an immediate impact and will likely be eligible to play right away.
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