Another transfer portal departure for Michigan basketball, latest on Nimari Burnett

It's getting harder and harder to keep players in the transfer portal era. Michigan basketball is learning that lesson, along with many others, as another Wolverine, Phat Phat Brooks, has entered the transfer portal.

Brooks was an in-state signee who originally committed to Juwan Howard. He reaffirmed that soon after Dusty May was hired as the head coach.

However, Brooks didn't have a huge role in his first season in Ann Arbor. The freshman did see action in 15 games, averaging 3.2 minutes 0.8 points and 0.7 rebounds. Brooks made one 3-pointer last season.

The former three-star recruit joins Justin Pippen, Tre Donaldson, and Sam Walters as the other transfer portal departures. Jace Howard is also counted among them, although he will need to have a medical waiver approved to get another year of eligibility.

L.J. Cason is still around and Dusty May spoke glowingly about Cason, who emerged at the end of the season and played a key role off the bench in the Big Ten and NCAA tournament.

Cason could be in the mix for a starting job next season, depending on who returns, but either way, he'll have a much bigger role than he did in 2024-25. Brooks likely wants a bigger role yet probably didn't see it with Michigan basketball.

Dusty May gives Nimari Burnett update

Dusty May offered an update on the status of Michigan basketball guard Nimari Burnett, telling reporters that the Wolverines want him back and "anticipate" his return.

May said they were letting Burnett go through his decision-making process. He can come back for a sixth season, but hasn't indicated what his plans are for next season.

Burnett started all 37 games this past season. He would likely be the starting two-guard again after scoring 9.4 points per game, grabbing 3.5 rebounds, dishing out 1.5 assists, and shooting 40 percent from 3-point range.

Burnett made 66 3-pointers this past season. He's got 134 makes from beyond the arc for his career (35 percent) and would be the perfect 3-and-D player for Michigan basketball, just like he was last season.