Michigan's Chicago Stars Aim to 'Be Legends' in Title Game

Morez Johnson Jr. and Nimari Burnett are representing their hometown on the national stage.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:40pm

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Michigan basketball players Morez Johnson Jr. and Nimari Burnett, both from Chicago, are starters on the Wolverines' powerhouse team that will face UConn in the NCAA championship game. The two young stars are determined to represent their city and become 'legends' like Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker.

Why it matters

Johnson and Burnett's success in the NCAA tournament highlights the continued pipeline of elite basketball talent coming out of Chicago. Their journey to the national title game also showcases how players from the city can make a big impact at the highest levels of college basketball.

The details

Johnson, 20, played at St. Rita and Thornton in Chicago before spending one season at Illinois. Burnett, 24, won a state title as a freshman at Morgan Park, where he played with Ayo Dosunmu, before transferring to a prep school in California. Both are now starters for Michigan, which has 36 wins this season. The two Chicago natives are proud to be representing their city on the national stage.

  • The NCAA championship game between Michigan and UConn will be played on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Morez Johnson Jr.

A 20-year-old basketball player from Chicago who spent one season at Illinois before transferring to Michigan, where he is now a starter on the Wolverines' Final Four team.

Nimari Burnett

A 24-year-old basketball player from Chicago who won a state title as a freshman at Morgan Park High School before transferring to a prep school in California. He is now a starter for Michigan in the NCAA championship game.

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What they’re saying

“'You are a product of your environment and where you come from. I take that very personal. I know 'Rez' does, as well.'”

— Nimari Burnett, Michigan Basketball Player

“'You can't take away being from Chicago. I'm always telling people I'm from Chicago. I'm proud to be one of the young hoopers from there, and I hope I can be a legend or something like that like [Derrick] Rose or Jabari Parker one day.'”

— Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan Basketball Player

“'You'll be a legend tomorrow.'”

— Nimari Burnett, Michigan Basketball Player

What’s next

The NCAA championship game between Michigan and UConn will be played on Monday, April 7, 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The takeaway

Johnson and Burnett's journey to the national title game showcases the continued pipeline of elite basketball talent coming out of Chicago. Their pride in representing their hometown on the biggest stage highlights how players from the city can make a major impact at the highest levels of college basketball.