Alabama transfer Nimari Burnett's life has come full circle as he finds himself at Michigan, a program that had been there for him through the start.

Whatever the reasons may be, many twists and turns saw him turn away the Wolverines in favor of somewhere else until this offseason, where he didn't waste any time announcing his transfer to the program upon entering the transfer portal.

Appearing on the latest episode of the Defend the Block podcast this week, Burnett was asked to how he was adjusting to his new home.

It's clear that he couldn't be happier with his decision.

"It's absolutely beautiful," Burnett said. "The transition I've had, the people I've met and just getting a feel for everything. I love the culture and the feel in here inside the arena and the facilities. It's just a welcoming feeling and it feels like guys are ready to work and are really serious about having a good year. That's what I look to bring this year and be part of something special this year.

For those who follow basketball recruiting, Burnett's name might sound familiar as he was one of Juwan Howard's early targets upon arriving in Ann Arbor. Despite the Wolverines being highly considered, Burnett elected to go to Texas Tech where he would later transfer to Alabama.

Howard never lost interest, nor did he lose contact, and the connection the two have preserved allowed Burnett's no-brainer decision to transfer to U-M.

"Just to date back to my senior year, that was 2019-2020, it was right before COVID hit," Burnett said. "The first thing was, I had four visits lined up. Michigan was the first, Alabama was the second and third was Texas Tech, Oregon was fourth. I really enjoyed my Michigan visit then, it actually went very well. Now, fast-forwarding until after Alabama, after I hit the portal, literally the day of, I got a call from Juwan and hearing him and having our conversation, just knowing that I have familiarity in that regard as well as knowing him for so long as well. Removed from college and basketball.

"Having that and knowing the type of guy he is, the type of coach he is and him just wanting to see guys win, especially at the highest level, it was just a match made in heaven."

---

Discuss this article with our community on our premium message boards

Not a subscriber to Maize & Blue Review? Sign up today to gain access to all the latest Michigan intel M&BR has to offer

Follow our staff on Twitter: @JoshHenschke, @Berry_Seth14, @TrevorMcCue, @DennisFithian, @BrockHeilig, @JimScarcelli, @lucasreimink

Subscribe to our podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify

Check out Maize & Blue Review's video content on YouTube

Follow Maize & Blue Review on social media: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram