Breaking down the 7 options for Texas Tech transfer guard Nimari Burnett

By Matt Melton | Apr 1, 2021

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 25: Guard Nimari Burnett #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders handles the ball during the first half of the college basketball game against the Northwestern State Demons at United Supermarkets Arena on November 25, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

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Andre Curbelo Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Illinois Fighting Illini

Another team that should be considered the clear favorite to land the former 5-star is the “home-state” Illinois Fighting Illini.

It is all but official that the Illini will lose star guard Ayo Dosunmu, but Illinois will also retain some nice talent as well. Illinois will return two talented freshmen in their backcourt in Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Andre Curbelo and Adam Miller, both of whom combined to average 17 PPG.

Adding Burnett would give Illinois three very talented young guards, and would help them to replace the production they will lose from the departure of Dosunmu. The Illini appear set to remain among the top teams in the loaded Big Ten for years to come, and securing the hometown kid Burnett would go a long way in helping that.

Not only should Illinois be considered one of the favorites to land Burnett because he is from there, but because of their excellent guard development in recent years combined with what should be a talented returning roster. If Burnett returns home to play for the Illini, does that make Illinois a favorite next season in the Big Ten?

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