Nimari Burnett is reshaping his narrative during his fifth season in college basketball, proving that it’s never too late for a player to find their stride. Once a McDonald’s All-American and a top-50 recruit out of high school, Burnett started his collegiate journey at Texas Tech, before moving to Alabama and ultimately landing at Michigan. Historically, players like him entering their fifth year often struggle to demonstrate significant development, but Burnett has defied expectations.
In a recent game against Washington, Burnett showcased his resurgence, scoring 16 points with a perfect shooting performance—6-for-6 from the floor—including sinking all four of his 3-point attempts. This marked a notable turnaround for a player who had previously struggled to find consistent scoring, particularly in his early tenure at Michigan. For the current season, he is averaging 10.9 points per game, with a particularly impressive stretch where he’s averaging 15.2 points over the last five games at an astonishing 72.7% shooting percentage.
Head coach Dusty May highlighted Burnett’s efficiency and positive attitude as significant factors in his success this season. He noted that Burnett serves as a role model, particularly for younger players, exemplifying perseverance in the face of adversity. Burnett acknowledges that this season feels completely different compared to last, as he has found his role within the team while benefiting from the strong presence of two 7-footers on the roster, which has lessened the pressure on him to dominate the scoring.
Despite a rocky start to the season, with several games in single digits, Burnett’s renewed focus on his game has paid off. By allowing the play to come to him, he’s transformed his approach, contributing not only through scoring but also by creating space for others on the floor. This has been evident in Michigan’s offensive efficiency, where they rank highly in various metrics due to players like Burnett drawing attention away from the paint.
As the Michigan Wolverines continue to excel in the Big Ten, with a record of 13-3 and sitting at the top of the standings, Burnett’s journey this season can serve as an inspiring tale of resilience. He embodies the notion that with dedication and proper support, a player can indeed enhance their game and contribute significantly to their team’s success, illustrating that often, the best is yet to come.
With continued growth and development, Burnett’s story could become a testament to the strength of character and work ethic in college basketball, reminding players and fans alike that improvement is always possible, regardless of past struggles.