Some thoughts on return of Nimari Burnett to Michigan basketball

The roster news keeps coming for Michigan basketball. On Monday, the Wolverines picked up the commitment of former FAU standout center Vlad Goldin. George Washington III also re-entered the transfer portal.

That departure gave Michigan one open scholarship spot. Michigan basketball fans have wondered if another would open. It was discovered that Nimari Burnett put his name in for the NBA draft but not long after, his return to the Wolverines was announced.

Burnett is likely going through the draft process to get feedback for the future so I don't see that being an option. Nimari said he was going to come back and you an expect him on the roster.

What Nimari Burnett's return means for Michigan basketball

This shouldn't come as a surprise. The transfer window ends May 1st, so if Burnett or Jace Howard were going to leave the program, they would have to enter their name. Howard still could but I get the feeling he won't.

Regardless, the return of Burnett is smart and it's a positive development for head coach Dusty May. Burnett is a 6-foot-4 and he was the best defender on the perimeter last season. He can be still be one of Michigan's best defenders. He also averaged 9.6 points per game and made 34.7 percent of his 3-point attempts.

Burnett could compete for a starting spot and is able to play the 2/3. Last season, at times, he was asked to play the 1/2 due to injuries and other issues. It was clear to me that Burnett was a solid role player on a bad team.

However, he can easily be a reliable role player on a quality team. He's done it before and even if some Michigan fans don't like it, it gives Michigan basketball another quality guard, while a scholarship is available for another if needed.