Chicago to Indianapolis: Local Hoopers Head to the Final Four
Local Stars Shine in NCAA Tournament
The video above showcases the Illinois men’s basketball team’s victory over Pennsylvania on March 15, 2026. In Chicago, where basketball has long been a staple of the city’s culture, two local products are now making their mark on the national stage.
Morez Johnson Jr. and Nimari Burnett, both from the Windy City, are representing their hometown as they play for the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA Tournament. Their journey from local courts to college basketball’s biggest stage is a testament to their dedication and hard work.
Burnett shared his feelings about playing in Chicago, where it all began for him. “Just to do it in Chicago, where it all started, having so many friends and family here,” he said. “I’m extremely grateful, just as a kid from Chicago growing up, playing a game of basketball that I loved. Shout out to everyone who played a part in getting me here.”
Johnson echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on the significance of the moment. “It was a great moment,” he said. “I’m never going to forget this moment. A lot of people dream about this moment and never accomplish it. I’m glad me and my brothers got a chance to accomplish it, especially here with my family and friends. They didn’t have to travel far to get to the game today.”
Dominant Performance
Johnson and Burnett were among five Wolverines who scored in double figures during Michigan’s 95-62 win over the Tennessee Volunteers. Johnson contributed 12 points on 2-3 shooting (8-11 at the free-throw line) with 5 rebounds, while Burnett added 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists on 2-5 shooting from the field and 1-4 from three-point range.
This victory marked the first 30+ point win to secure a regional championship since Bob Huggins’ Cincinnati Bearcats defeated Memphis 88-57 in the 1992 Elite 8. That team also had a connection to the Wolverines, as they lost to Michigan’s Fab Five in the Final Four that year, 76-72.
Johnson and Burnett hope to create similar memories during their Final Four experience, 34 years later. “Our mindset, within that being [win No.] 34, we understood that it’s one game at a time,” Burnett said. “Inevitably, because of the group that we have, because of the persistence and endurance … there will be 35, and then there will be 36, and then there will be 37.”
A Journey Rooted in Chicago
Before joining forces at Michigan or even setting foot on a college campus, Johnson and Burnett were two names that came from the basketball mecca of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs over the last ten years.
Johnson was a standout at St. Rita of Cascia and Thornton Township High Schools, where he became a double-double machine. He was named Illinois Mr. Basketball and Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year in 2024.
Burnett spent one year at Morgan Park High School in 2016-17 before finishing his high school career on the prep circuit in California. However, that single year was impactful, particularly in the Class 3A state title game. With Ayo Dosunmu sidelined due to an injury, Burnett stepped into his role and scored a team-high 24 points on 6-10 shooting from three, including three crucial 3-pointers in overtime as the Mustangs staged a come-from-behind win and secured the school’s fourth state championship.
Looking Ahead
Burnett and Johnson’s next opportunity to cut down the nets will be after their matchup against Arizona on Saturday, April 4. The game will take place in Indianapolis and air on TBS, but the tipoff time is still to be determined. As they prepare for the next chapter of their journey, both players remain focused on making more memories and continuing their legacy.
