By Kedric Prince – Director of Recruiting

January 19, 2021

Texas Tech freshman Nimari Burnett, a high school five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American, has left the Texas Tech basketball program.

Burnett is a versatile 6-foot-5 guard who can play both the point and two positions.

IlliniGuys.com caught up with Burnett to get the latest on his recruitment. Burnett averaged 5.3. ppg and 1.8 rebounds in 12 games during his freshman year.  For personal reasons, however, the former Morgan Park (Chicago) guard decided it was time to leave the Red Raiders program.

Once the announcement was made, Illinois assistant coach Ron “Chin” Coleman reached out to his family to gauge his interest.  Illinois will have plenty of competition, however, for the talented guard.

"Since I officially entered the portal, these are the schools that I'm hearing from the most: Arkansas, Oregon, San Diego State, Colorado State, Illinois, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Alabama, Dayton, Missouri, Arizona State, Maryland, Wake Forest, DePaul, USC, and Marquette," Burnett said. "But no one is a leader at this point; I want to make sure it's right this time."

Texas Tech was loaded with guards even before Burnett’s commitment to the Red Raiders. Burnett never broke the line-up for Texas Tech, and did not receive much court time.

Burnett said that for every school he considers, he will be looking for three things: "I want a fair opportunity, no lies, and freedom to play the game I love."

The question everyone has is “when will he enroll in school?”  At this time, he is undecided and will not rush to make a decision.

The former McDonald’s All-American guard said that he is watching the teams he has an interest in very closely:  “Sometimes I can't see them all because I may not have the channels they come on.”

Note: Burnett was a teammate at Prolific Prep with current Illinois wing Coleman Hawkins.

@KedPrince4

princekedric@yahoo.com