Michigan basketball lands ESPN five-star Alabama guard from transfer portal

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Some incredible news came Michigan’s way from the transfer portal today, as an elite talent will be joining Juwan Howard’s roster next season. Former ESPN five-star guard Nimari Burnett from the Alabama Crimson Tide has officially committed to play for the Michigan basketball team.

NEWS: Alabama transfer Nimari Burnett has committed to Michigan, he tells @On3sports.

Former McDonald’s All-American. Began his career at Texas Tech.

Story: https://t.co/dNWMlVTTvq pic.twitter.com/nQ46sLB7eH

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 30, 2023

ESPN Five-star guard Nimari Burnett commits to Michigan basketball

The Michigan basketball team had a disappointing season in 2022-23, though today, the future got much brighter for the Wolverines. Former ESPN five-star guard Nimari Burnett — who averaged around 15 minutes per game and shot close to 37% from the floor — will be joining the Wolverines’ roster next winter. As a high school recruit, Nimari Burnett was an ESPN five-star guard with high-level scoring ability and a solid 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame to match.

Nimari Burnett was ranked as the No. 22 player nationally, the No. 4 shooting guard, and the No. 1 player in Illinois by ESPN. As a McDonald’s All-American he was heavily recruited by Juwan Howard out of high school, but passed on the opportunity to pursue a college career with Texas Tech before transferring to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Some injury issues have limited him in the past, though he still started nine games for Alabama a season ago and is a huge pickup for Michigan basketball.

“Michigan is the best place for me to thrive, offensively and defensively,” Burnett said to On3. “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.”

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at [email protected]. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other steaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!