Michigan guard Nimari Burnett discussed his return for a fifth and final year on the Defend the Block podcast:
Michigan Wolverines guard Nimari Burnett announced earlier this offseason that he is returning to Ann Arbor for his final year of collegiate eligibility. He has become a key contributor over his two years at Michigan so far and will play a massive role on the Wolverines one more time.
Burnett discussed his return on the Defend the Block podcast .
“I love Michigan, and that’s the ultimate reason why I came back,” Burnett said. “Not only for the team Dusty is building, which is absolutely amazing, but everything that Michigan means to me. It’s a family atmosphere and I enjoy every single bit of it. I enjoy working with the staff. It’s been a blast these two years and I plan to finish my collegiate career strong at Michigan.”
Burnett also emphasized Michigan’s close-knit atmosphere and his comfort level with the coaching staff and teammates were key factors in his decision to return. Despite losing several players to the NBA Draft and transfer portal, Burnett will be joined by fellow returners L.J. Cason, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Will Tschetter, as well as some incoming additions.
“Unity is so important, especially in the current landscape of college basketball,” Burnett said. “The impact that the transfer portal has, it means so much to keep a group of guys together and continue to build on what was already a successful season. To be able to do it with such a great group of guys, as far as personality and character, is definitely very important.”
Burnett emerged as a critical scorer the Wolverines leaned on heavily last season, averaging 9.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting career-high marks of 40 percent from three and 47.6 percent from the field. He also made one of the biggest shots of the season, knocking down a buzzer-beating three-pointer to outlast Rutgers in February.
NIMARI BURNETT FOR THE WIN!
The #Wolverines guard sinks a game-winner as time expires to complete a comeback in an 84-82 win over Rutgers. pic.twitter.com/M0389BwACy
— Charles Post (@chas_post23) February 28, 2025
“It was an amazing moment and definitely a staple in my college career,” Burnett said. “There was nothing better than to see the fans genuinely enjoy the game, even though we put them through a tale of two halves, as we kind of did all season. I genuinely appreciate all of their support and it made that moment that much more special.”
The Wolverines had a great year in Dusty May’s first season as head coach, going 27-10 and winning the Big Ten Tournament championship for the first time since 2018. Burnett reflected on winning the Big Ten Tournament title by saying it was a special memory he will never forget.
“I had the feeling of wanting to cry right after that,” Burnett said. “Just knowing what we had been through during the previous season, and then to come to this moment through so much work and change, it was definitely an amazing moment. It was truly a special moment and something that I will remember from the rest of my life.”
Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, Michigan has expectations of competing for conference and national championships, and Burnett will be pivotal to the team reaching their full potential.