Nimari Burnett Says ‘No Turning Back’ On NBA Dream

Raising Cane's

Just days after securing Michigan’s first NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship since 1989, guards Nimari Burnett and Charlie May took their victory celebration off the court and into the community. The championship duo made a surprise appearance at Raising Cane’s in Ann Arbor, where they spent the morning working a special “shift” alongside crew members while interacting with fans. Located just steps from campus, the restaurant quickly transformed into a full-blown maize-and-blue celebration, with students, families, and local supporters gathering to catch a glimpse of the newly crowned champions.

Michigan Champs Go Behind The Counter At Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s

Rather than simply making an appearance, Burnett and May fully embraced the experience, stepping behind the counter to learn the ropes of the restaurant.

The pair signed autographs, snapped selfies, bagged Box Combos, and even got hands-on in the kitchen, all while celebrating alongside the fans who supported them throughout their championship run.

For both players, the moment felt especially meaningful. As longtime fans of Raising Cane’s, the opportunity to work a shift marked a full-circle moment, going from late-night customers to national champions serving their own community.

Burnett Jokes About Cane’s Shift Pressure After Title Win

Raising Cane’s

While the environment was celebratory, Nimari Burnett admitted the experience brought a different kind of pressure.

“I’ll say I’m a little nervous to work this shift today. I think, the level of nervousness is, you know, playing at a national championship on one level and then cooking Raising Cane’s at another level,” Burnett said. “My favorite thing about Raising Cane’s is the sauce. I was talking about the sauce in the car on the way here and you can’t go wrong with it.”

Charlie May echoed the sentiment, sharing a personal connection to the brand that dates back to his childhood. “I’d have to agree about the the sauce,” May said. “When I was a kid, we lived in Louisiana in a really small town, and there was only a few fast food restaurants, and Raising Cane’s was one of them. So the sauce has been my favorite since I was probably, like six years old.”

Fans Pack Cane’s To Celebrate Michigan Championship

Raising Cane’s

The event doubled as both a celebration of Michigan’s 69–63 championship victory over UConn and a way to bring the community together.

Fans packed the area around the restaurant, turning what could have been a simple appearance into a shared hometown moment.

Nimari Burnett Gets Emotional Reflecting On Title Win

Raising Cane’s

Before stepping behind the counter at Raising Cane’s, Nimari Burnett took a moment to reflect on what winning a national championship truly meant to him.

“It was so many emotions because it was so gratifying,” Burnett said. “The emotions were kind of sad that this would be my last time playing with this group, but also, just super excited that we achieved this goal that not too many people in the room get to achieve. I was extremely proud of myself and my team, and of everything it took to get it. It was the most meaningful moment of my life, but also the best time I’ve had throughout the year.”

Nimari Burnett played a key role throughout the championship season, averaging 8.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across 40 games while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc. He also delivered 10 double-digit performances, including a standout 31-point game against Penn State on February 5.

Nimari Burnett Ready To Take Next Step Toward NBA

Raising Cane’s

With his college career now reaching its peak, Nimari Burnett is turning his attention toward the next level. After previously testing the NBA pre-draft process to gather feedback from scouts and executives, he’s now preparing to fully commit to the journey, including upcoming workouts and training.

“I can take from that experience the feeling of believing in yourself and understanding how it goes,” Burnett told the media. “You obtain feedback. I figured out throughout my collegiate career my role and my identity as a basketball player, but as you go through that process, you really get a (feel) for it. I’m looking forward to fully going through it. There is no turning back.”

As Burnett looks ahead to the next chapter, his championship run has not only solidified his legacy at Michigan but also set the stage for what could be a promising future at the next level.

The Nimari Burnett Says ‘No Turning Back’ On NBA Dream first appeared on The Blast