Nimari Burnett is playing for a spot in the Final Four in his hometown. The 24-year-old Chicago native is a do-it-all guard for top-seeded Michigan. The Wolverines take on Tennessee Sunday at United Center. Burnett says he remembers going to the Chicago Bulls' home arena and cheering for Derrick Rose.
Live updates: Yemen’s Houthis claim responsibility for missile attacks on Israel as war in Middle East intensifiesWith their candidates losing in metro Atlanta, Georgia GOP seeks to remove party labelsTrump's conflicting messages sow confusion over the Iran warLeBron passes to Bronny for a 3-pointer and the NBA's first father-son assist, league saysPeople 'bathe' in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycleOtters enjoy a snow day in Maryland during winter stormA Medicaid 'spend down' may get an older person long-term care coverage but isn't a DIY strategyA photo captures black spots on clothespins that reveal the environmental toll of conflict in TehranJudge won't block meeting that could exempt Gulf drilling from Endangered Species ActOnce a luxury for moms, doula care is going mainstreamBaby is born after the rarest of pregnancies, defying all oddsOne Tech Tip: Here's how AI can help you in your job huntAt Pentagon Christian service, Hegseth prays for violence 'against those who deserve no mercy'Industria del cangrejo de río de Luisiana sufre por escasez de trabajadores extranjerosLive updates: Yemen’s Houthis claim responsibility for missile attacks on Israel as war in Middle East intensifiesWith their candidates losing in metro Atlanta, Georgia GOP seeks to remove party labelsTrump's conflicting messages sow confusion over the Iran warLeBron passes to Bronny for a 3-pointer and the NBA's first father-son assist, league saysPeople 'bathe' in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycleOtters enjoy a snow day in Maryland during winter stormA Medicaid 'spend down' may get an older person long-term care coverage but isn't a DIY strategyA photo captures black spots on clothespins that reveal the environmental toll of conflict in TehranJudge won't block meeting that could exempt Gulf drilling from Endangered Species ActOnce a luxury for moms, doula care is going mainstreamBaby is born after the rarest of pregnancies, defying all oddsOne Tech Tip: Here's how AI can help you in your job huntAt Pentagon Christian service, Hegseth prays for violence 'against those who deserve no mercy'Industria del cangrejo de río de Luisiana sufre por escasez de trabajadores extranjeros Michigan ’s Nimari Burnett celebrates after defeating Alabama in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago .
Michigan’s Nimari Burnett celebrates with teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Alabama, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago. Alabama’s Aiden Sherrell and Michigan’s Nimari Burnett reach for a rebound during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago. Michigan’s Nimari Burnett celebrates after defeating Alabama in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago. Michigan’s Nimari Burnett celebrates after defeating Alabama in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago. Michigan’s Nimari Burnett celebrates with teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Alabama, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago. Michigan’s Nimari Burnett celebrates with teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Alabama, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago. Alabama’s Aiden Sherrell and Michigan’s Nimari Burnett reach for a rebound during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago. Alabama’s Aiden Sherrell and Michigan’s Nimari Burnett reach for a rebound during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Chicago. CHICAGO — Nimari Burnett’s 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.when they take on Tennessee on Sunday at United Center, the Chicago Bulls’ home arena. For Burnett, a 24-year-old Chicago native, it’s an incredible turn of events. “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,” he said. “But being here, playing for a Final Four, I think nothing tops that.” 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. The 6-foot-5 guard has started each of his 106 games with the Wolverines, averaging 9.1 points and 3.4 rebounds. “Nimari is a stabilizer. Every day, he’s the exact same person emotionally, physically,” Michigan coach Dusty May said Saturday. “His pre-practice routine is 10 out of 10.” 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’Kobi Gillespie, and he also is expected to help out on the glass. “He’s got length. He’s got size. He’s got athleticism,” May said of Burnett. “I think our guards rebounding down will be the difference in us moving on or going home.”“We’ve played ... there’s been a lot of teams that crash the glass heavy, and that’s their identity,” he said. “That’s been Tennessee’s identity throughout the season.” Burnett and Michigan also got to play at United Center for this year’s Big Ten Tournament. They made it to the final before losing to Purdueover Alabama. But his lone basket — a fast-break dunk off a long pass from Yaxel Lendeborg early in the second half — was a highlight. 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’t sound as if that bothered him. “Playing with the most unselfish, the best players across the country and getting to this moment, playing in the NCAA Tournament, it means everything,” he said. “Any level of success will take a level of sacrifice. We all understand that, but we’re all committed to that one goal, which is to win a national championship.”Cohen is a national baseball writer and an editor on the AP’s sports desk. Based in Chicago, he also covers hockey, football and basketball, along with international water polo.Live updates: Yemen’s Houthis claim responsibility for missile attacks on Israel as war in Middle East intensifies
Michigan College Sports NCAA Mens Division I Basketball Championship Chicago Bulls Tennessee College Basketball Michigan Wolverines Basketball Illinois IL State Wire March Madness NCAA Tournament NCAA Mens Bracket MI State Wire TN State Wire Yaxel Lendeborg Mens College Basketball Sports Purdue Boilermakers Chicago Illinois Fighting Illini
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Purdue's seniors look to end final season at Final FourPurdue stars Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer have played far more games together than any other current trio in college basketball. They hope to end their decorated careers a short drive from campus on college basketball’s biggest stage: the Final Four in Indianapolis.
Read more »
NBC Renews Three ‘Chicago’ Shows for 2026-27The Windy City heroes behind the 'OneChicago' series 'Chicago Fire,' 'Chicago P.D.' and 'Chicago Med' will return after 11-plus seasons.
Read more »
Detroit set to enter Michigan‘s battle against Coinbase prediction marketsThe most recent news about crypto industry at Cointelegraph. Latest news about bitcoin, ethereum, blockchain, mining, cryptocurrency prices and more
Read more »
Alabama Could Get Major Boost Ahead of Sweet 16 Matchup vs MichiganHours before it tips off against No. 1 seed Michigan in the NCAA Tournament, Alabama got good news about one of its top players.
Read more »
Woman rescued from water in Lake Michigan near Monroe Harbor, Chicago officials sayWoman, 2 CPD officers taken to hospital in good condition
Read more »
UConn beats Michigan State, will face Duke for Final Four spotTarris Reed Jr. scored 20 points, Alex Karaban added 17, and both made pressure-packed free throws in the final minute that helped second-seeded UConn hold off third-seeded Michigan State 67-63 in the Sweet 16. UConn advances to a true heavyweight clash in Sunday’s final of the East Region against top-seeded Duke.
Read more »