Alabama transfer guard Nimari Burnett will miss the season after having surgery on his right knee.
Coach Nate Oats said Burnett had successful surgery Tuesday, performed by Dr. Lyle Cain of Andrews Sports Medicine at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound sophomore transferred from Texas Tech, where he played in 12 games as a freshman before opting to enter the transfer portal. He was rated as a five-star recruit out of high school by ESPN and had included Alabama in his final four before committing to Texas Tech.
Burnett averaged 5.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 17.7 minutes per game. He shot 88.9% from the free throw line (32 of 36).
He was expected to contend for playing time in a backcourt replacing John Petty and first-round NBA draft pick Josh Primo.
“Even though it’s a tough loss for us, I know Nimari’s work ethic combined with the fact he will be surrounded by the best of the best when it comes to our medical staff and team doctors gives me complete confidence that he will come back stronger and better than ever,” Oats said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.