![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/3-30-MBB-Burnett-at-home-1100x733.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Michigan’s Nimari Burnett celebrates after defeating Alabama in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo\/Erin Hooley)<\/p>\n
CHICAGO \u2014 Nimari Burnett\u2019s basketball journey has taken him all over the country. From high school in Illinois and California, then to college with Texas Tech, Alabama and, finally, Michigan.<\/p>\n
All the way back to his hometown for perhaps his biggest moment yet.<\/p>\n
Burnett and the Wolverines play for a spot in the Final Four when they take on Tennessee on Sunday at United Center, the Chicago Bulls\u2019 home arena. For Burnett, a 24-year-old Chicago native, it\u2019s an incredible turn of events.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember growing up as a kid and dreaming about playing on a high level. Being here, watching Derrick Rose when I was growing up was always amazing,\u201d he said. \u201cBut being here, playing for a Final Four, I think nothing tops that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Burnett played for Morgan Park, about 20 miles south of United Center, for one season before finishing his high school career with Prolific Prep in Napa, California. He played one season at Texas Tech and one at Alabama; this is his third and final year at Michigan.<\/p>\n
The 6-foot-5 guard has started each of his 106 games with the Wolverines, averaging 9.1 points and 3.4 rebounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cNimari is a stabilizer. Every day, he\u2019s the exact same person emotionally, physically,\u201d Michigan coach Dusty May said Saturday. \u201cHis pre-practice routine is 10 out of 10.\u201d<\/p>\n
With his 6-9 wingspan, Burnett could play a major role in the Elite Eight matchup with Tennessee. He will have at least some of the defensive responsibilities on high-scoring guard Ja\u2019Kobi Gillespie, and he also is expected to help out on the glass.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got length. He\u2019s got size. He\u2019s got athleticism,\u201d May said of Burnett. \u201cI think our guards rebounding down will be the difference in us moving on or going home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Burnett compared Tennessee to Illinois and Purdue, two of the most physical teams in the Big Ten.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve played \u2026 there\u2019s been a lot of teams that crash the glass heavy, and that\u2019s their identity,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s been Tennessee\u2019s identity throughout the season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Burnett and Michigan also got to play at United Center for this year\u2019s Big Ten Tournament. They made it to the final before losing to Purdue on March 15.<\/p>\n
The top-seeded Wolverines opened the NCAA Tournament with runaway victories over Howard and Saint Louis. Burnett made six 3-pointers while scoring a total of 26 points in the two games in Buffalo, New York.<\/p>\n
He was limited to two points on 1-for-5 shooting in Friday night\u2019s 90-77 win over Alabama. But his lone basket \u2014 a fast-break dunk off a long pass from Yaxel Lendeborg early in the second half \u2014 was a highlight.<\/p>\n
Burnett is one of a couple of players on the Wolverines who have taken a step back in prominence as May has strengthened the roster. He has played fewer minutes and attempted fewer field goals over the last two seasons, but he didn\u2019t sound as if that bothered him.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlaying with the most unselfish, the best players across the country and getting to this moment, playing in the NCAA Tournament, it means everything,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny level of success will take a level of sacrifice. We all understand that, but we\u2019re all committed to that one goal, which is to win a national championship.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n SAN DIEGO \u2014 Randy V\u00e1squez and two relievers combined for a two-hitter, and Fernando Tatis Jr. hit an RBI single …<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n DETROIT \u2014 Owen Tippett scored a hat trick as the Philadelphia Flyers survived a late rally for a key 5-3 win over …<\/p>\n