Wolverines' Guard Excited for Homecoming in Elite Eight

Nimari Burnett returns to Chicago as Michigan faces Tennessee with a Final Four berth on the line.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:27am

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Nimari Burnett, a 24-year-old guard for the Michigan Wolverines, is thrilled to be playing in his hometown of Chicago for a spot in the Final Four. Burnett, who played high school basketball locally before stints at Texas Tech and Alabama, has started all 106 games for Michigan over the past three seasons. The Wolverines take on Tennessee on Sunday at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls, in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Burnett's homecoming is a feel-good story, as the veteran guard gets to showcase his skills in front of family and friends with a chance to reach the Final Four on the line. Michigan will need Burnett's defensive presence and rebounding ability to slow down high-scoring Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie and the Volunteers' physical style of play.

The details

Burnett, a 6-foot-5 guard, has averaged 9.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for Michigan this season. He has started every game for the Wolverines over the past three years after transferring from Texas Tech and Alabama. Burnett played one season of high school basketball at Morgan Park in Chicago before finishing his prep career at Prolific Prep in California. He is expected to play a key role in defending Gillespie and crashing the boards against the physical Volunteers.

  • Burnett and the Wolverines will face Tennessee on Sunday, March 31, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago.
  • Michigan reached the Elite Eight by defeating Howard and Saint Louis in the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo, New York.

The players

Nimari Burnett

A 24-year-old guard for the Michigan Wolverines who is a Chicago native, having played one season of high school basketball at Morgan Park before finishing at Prolific Prep in California. Burnett has started all 106 games for Michigan over the past three seasons after transferring from Texas Tech and Alabama.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who praised Burnett's consistent demeanor and pre-practice routine as a stabilizing force for the team.

Ja'Kobi Gillespie

The high-scoring guard for the Tennessee Volunteers, who Burnett and Michigan will need to slow down defensively in the Elite Eight matchup.

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What they’re saying

“I 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. But being here, playing for a Final Four, I think nothing tops that.”

— Nimari Burnett, Michigan Guard

“Nimari is a stabilizer. Every day, he's the exact same person emotionally, physically. His pre-practice routine is 10 out of 10.”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the Michigan-Tennessee matchup will advance to the Final Four, which takes place on April 5 and 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Burnett's homecoming to Chicago for the Elite Eight represents a full-circle moment in his basketball journey, as the veteran guard gets to showcase his skills on the big stage in front of family and friends with a chance to reach the Final Four. His defensive presence and rebounding will be crucial as Michigan looks to slow down Tennessee's physical style of play.