Recruiting Report: Nimari Burnett (2020)
Nimari Burnett was one of the top incoming freshman last season in the state of Illinois and lived up to the hype in his only year at Morgan Park. He played a complimentary role, but when he was asked to shine he did. That was no more evident in the state title game where he put his team on his back and led them to a state championship without their star Ayo Dosunmu. After the season was over Burnett and his family decided to transfer out west to California to play at Prolific Prep which is a well-known prep power. We caught up with Burnett to see how the season is going.
“I adjusted very well to the transition. My teammates and coaches are great. They accept me and push me hard and I’m loving it.”
What areas has he seen the biggest improvement as a sophomore?
“Definitely my driving ability and leadership. I came to Prolific Prep and was told that I would be playing point guard so I’ve accepted and thrived in that role.”
Burnett is currently averaging 17 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. He talked about the biggest difference in basketball from Chicago to California.
“Definitely the pace. It’s more up tempo, but our team is more of a half court pace team so we adjust well to both up tempo and slow tempo.”
What is the latest with recruiting?
“A lot of interest from USC, Michigan, Stanford, and Cal. Some great Pac 12 schools along with Big 10.”
He took an unofficial visit to Stanford earlier in the year. What impressed him on the visit?
“Huge campus, great coaching staff, and obviously a great academic program. I like Stanford. It’s a really nice school. Huge fan base as well.”
Illinois was one of the first schools to offer him. He updated where things stand with the Big 10 program after moving out west.
“I know some of their coaches and I like what they have going out there. My interest for them hasn’t changed.”
Michigan is one school that Burnett says he would like to visit in the near future along with several of the others that are showing interest. Burnett currently ranks as the #2 overall 2020 prospect in the PrepHoops Northern California rankings.