Michigan's Nimari Burnett Turns NCAA Title Celebration Into Community Moment at Raising Cane's

Just days after etching their names into Michigan basketball history, Nimari Burnett and Charlie May took their championship celebration off the hardwood and straight into the heart of Ann Arbor.

The newly crowned Wolverines guards made a surprise appearance at a local Raising Cane's, stepping behind the counter to work a special shift alongside crew members. The restaurant, located just steps from campus, quickly transformed into a maize-and-blue party as students, families, and supporters packed the space to catch a glimpse of the champions.

Rather than just making an appearance and leaving, Burnett and May dove in headfirst. They signed autographs, snapped selfies with fans, bagged Box Combos, and even got hands-on in the kitchen — fully embracing every part of the fast-food experience.

I'll say I'm a little nervous to work this shift today, Burnett admitted. The level of nervousness is, you know, playing at a national championship on one level and then cooking Raising Cane's at another level.

When asked about his favorite thing on the menu, Burnett didn't hesitate: the sauce. I was talking about the sauce in the car on the way here and you can't go wrong with it.

May shared a personal connection that dated back to his childhood in Louisiana. I'd have to agree about the sauce. 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.

The event doubled as both a celebration of Michigan's 69-63 championship victory over UConn and a hometown moment for the players and their community. The energy in that Raising Cane's was proof that winning a title resonates far beyond the arena.

Before stepping behind the counter, Burnett took a moment to reflect on what the championship meant. It was so many emotions because it was so gratifying. 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.

Burnett put together a standout season, averaging 8.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across 40 games while shooting 37.5% from three-point range. He delivered 10 double-digit scoring performances, including a 31-point explosion against Penn State in early February.

Now, with college basketball's biggest prize secured, Burnett is already turning his attention to what comes next. He previously tested the NBA pre-draft waters to gather feedback from scouts, and now he's ready to fully commit to the professional journey.

I can take from that experience the feeling of believing in yourself and understanding how it goes, Burnett said. 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.

For Burnett, the championship was the most meaningful moment of his life — and now the real work begins.