Breaking down the 7 options for Texas Tech transfer guard Nimari Burnett
By Matt Melton
Alabama Crimson Tide
One of the original finalists for Burnett out of high school, Alabama seems to be one of the clear favorites to land the former 5-star.
The Crimson Tide reached the Sweet 16 in 2020-2021 for the first time since the 2003-2004 season in only year two under head coach Nate Oats. While the Crimson Tide was phenomenal this season, Alabama is set up to be even better next season.
The Crimson Tide will return former 5-star guards Jahvon Quinerly and Josh Primo, as well as experience in Jaden Shackelford and Keon Ellis next season. Alabama also brings in a top recruiting class headlined by Top 10 national player and the #1 PG in the country JD Davison.
Obviously, there has been mutual interest previously between the two, but Burnett makes sense with the Tide for multiple reasons. Burnett is an excellent facilitator who can create shots for the Tide’s 3-point shooters, while also being a quality 3-pointer shooter himself. The playstyle between Burnett and Alabama is a perfect fit.
Another benefit for Burnett to Alabama is player development. We saw what Nate Oats and Co. have done with players such as Jahvon Quinerly this past season where Quinerly came to Tuscaloosa after struggling his freshman season at Villanova and turned him into one of the better guards in the SEC. The freshman seasons of Jahvon Quinerly at Villanova and Burnett at Texas Tech can be very similar if you look at it. Oats did it with Quinerly, is Burnett next?
When combining the returning players and an incoming top 10-15 recruiting class with the potential addition of Burnett, Alabama could display a roster next season that could contend for a national championship. If I had to choose a team that will land the talented guard, it’s Alabama.