Michigan’s Biggest X Factor Against Arizona in Final Four Showdown

It’s bound to be a heavyweight showdown on Saturday night between the pair of No. 1 seeds: Michigan vs. Arizona. Both teams are similar in style and build, and both teams have gone through their competition.

There will be plenty of stars on the court on Saturday night. For the Wolverines, the talk of Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Elliot Cadeau has filled the talk shows in recent days, but there is another player who could be Michigan’s X Factor against the Wildcats.

Despite a role decrease this season, fifth-year senior Nimari Burnett will take the court as a starter and could play a pivotal role in what happens on Saturday night.

Why Burnett is the X Factor

In Year 3 at Michigan, Burnett is playing his lowest minutes and scoring the least since he arrived in Ann Arbor — but this is also the most talented team the Chicago native has played with. Burnett is surrounded by stars and he has taken his role and run with it.

“What also makes it worth it is playing here at this stage right now,” Burnett said to the media regarding his role. “Playing with the most unselfish, the best players across the country and getting to this moment, playing in the NCAA Tournament, it means everything. And these are the goals that we set prior to the season.

“So any level of success will take a level of sacrifice. We all understand that, but we’re all committed to that one goal, which is to win a National Championship.”

While he is playing just under 20 minutes per game, and averaging 8.4 points per game — he is still one of the top shooters on the team. When taking a three-point shot, Burnett makes 38.1%, just under Trey McKenney on the team.

Arizona is going to put a lot of focus on stopping the other starting three in the game on Saturday night. But we’ve seen previously what happens when Burnett gets his footing under him and gets confident.

Burnett scored a career-high 31 points earlier this season to help Michigan beat Penn State. He has scored in double figures in three of Michigan’s four NCAA Tournament wins and the Maize and Blue will hope he can remain hot in this game on Saturday.

The 6’5″ veteran hasn’t shot the three particularly well this postseason, but playing in Indianapolis, with a spot in the national title on the line — this is where leaders emerge and unsung heroes shine.