ANN ARBOR, Mich. – No. 3-ranked Michigan Wolverines guard Nimari Burnett discussed the significance of the upcoming rivalry game against No. 7 Michigan State Spartans and the challenges his team faces.
Burnett called the rivalry “number one” in intensity, even compared to other great rivalries he has experienced.
Recommended Videos
“I’m super excited as I always am,” said Burnett, noting his 0-4 in general and 0-2 at the Breslin Center record against MSU and his desire to improve that.
“I’m looking to change that on Friday,” Burnett said.
Both teams are ranked in the top 10 and are battling for the top seed after the men in maize took down the once-unbeaten Nebraska Cornhuskers 75-72 inside Crisler Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Burnett opened up about the motivation behind his 0-4 record against Michigan State.
“It’s been No. 1 on my list going into the season,” Burnett said. “I’m not shy about it.”
He added, “Competitors should look forward to those types of environments and rivalries. It’s something I’m trying to get back, and I’ve been thinking about it since the last time we lost to them.”
Rivalry atmosphere
Burnett explained why the upcoming game against Michigan State is more than just a typical rivalry.
“I think it’s more than a typical rivalry game, especially for the fans,” Burnett said. “There’s more presence in the building and watching on TV.”
He added, “For us, it’s still Michigan State. You see that color, you see that rivalry, you feel that intensity no matter what the rankings are for these teams.”
Toughness midset
Burnett emphasized toughness, mindset, and playing through adversity as key ingredients to winning.
“The animosity that comes with that type of environment and two huge rivals playing at the highest level adds to it,” Burnett said.
Burnett talked about how he helps teammates, especially those new to the rivalry, prepare without overdoing the hype.
“Yeah. The important thing is you don’t want to overdo it, but at the same time, tell them how important it is to bring that energy, that fire, in a game like this. And they’ve been through tough games in their basketball careers, different rivals that they had to go against,” Burnett said.
Burnett noted that key players like Elliot Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara, and Yaxel Lendeborg had rivalries before, but cautioned that, in the MSU matchup, not to get overly hyped.
“Elliot especially,” Burnett said. “And so, just reminding them of that rivalry he had with Duke, reminding Yax, like, think about the guy that you hate the most, and just picture that person on Michigan State. With Rez, he’s already fired up, so I ain’t got to worry about him. So, yeah, they’re looking forward to it, too.
Recent games
Burnett said recent physical games against Ohio State and Nebraska have helped prepare the team for its matchup against the Spartans on Friday, Jan. 29, in East Lansing.
“Michigan State is widely known as the most physical team in the Big Ten, so we look to bring that battle to them,” Burnett said.
He praised head coach Dusty May and the staff for helping the team stay focused and composed.
“If you let the moment get bigger than it is, you won’t play your best,” Burnett said.
Playing smart
Burnett acknowledged Michigan State’s physicality but said his team is prepared to match it while playing smart.
“Being a competitor, you understand what you shouldn’t do out there,” Burnett said.
Road warriors
Although the Wolverines are 19-1, 9-1 in the Big Ten, they’re 10-1 at home this season, but they’re 5-0 on the road as well, meaning they’re a well-rounded group.
Burnett credited the team’s resilience for its success on the road this season.
“We’ve battled through adversity and won even when we haven’t played our best,” Burnett said.
Last season’s turnaround
Reflecting on last year’s 79-62 blowout loss, Michigan Wolverines guard Nimari Burnett said the team remained focused on winning and practicing hard, especially on the physical and mental aspects.
“Going into that game at the Breslin, we were talking about doing the right things before that, and obviously that didn’t happen,” Burnett said. “But the mindset, attention to detail, and focus were still there from the group, and we were all bought in to winning.”
He added that the positive energy and communication helped the team heading into the postseason and Big Ten play.
“We also practiced very hard during that time, and we always practice hard. It’s not like we’re not practicing hard now, but we were very mindful of the physical component of that game and postseason games, as well as the mental warfare,” Burnett said.
Trey McKenney
Burnett praised teammate Trey McKinney for playing his best basketball recently.
“I’ve seen someone that’s extremely confident, and that just comes with Trey,” Burnett said. “Add more confidence to that, and he’s super smart for someone his age. He sees the game really well, is poised, nothing rushes him, and he remains aggressive.”
Burnett expressed happiness about McKinney’s performance, noting it helps the team win.
“Most importantly, he just needs to continue what he’s doing. The sky’s the limit,” Burnett said.
Burnett also mentioned McKinney’s past success in the Breslin Center, where he won a state title.
“He hasn’t mentioned it, but I’m going to bring it up. He’s done something we haven’t, so we need his help on that,” Burnett said.
Shooting struggles
Regarding shooting struggles, Burnett said the team likes the looks and expects the shots to fall eventually.
“A lot of those were in and out, so we felt good about it,” Burnett said.
Pushing pace and turnovers
On balancing pushing the pace with avoiding turnovers, Burnett said the key is “hitting singles” by making smart reads and keeping things simple.
Beating Michigan State
Burnett said beating Michigan State means a lot to him personally.
“It’s not as incredible as winning a Big Ten championship, but it’s part of that journey,” Burnett said.
Burnett added, “We’re all super excited to beat Michigan State in their hometown and finish the Big Ten season strong.”