NBA insider, Shams Charania, was the first to break the news, that Texas Tech freshman guard Nimari Burnett would be leaving the Texas Tech program. I don’t have a subscription to The Athletic, but the tweet makes it sounds as if Burnett is just opting out for the semester.

Just In: Texas Tech freshman Nimari Burnett — a five-star college recruit and McDonald’s All-American — has decided to leave the program, sources tell our Insider @ShamsCharania.

Read more:https://t.co/Y9ea1Uo8FU

— The Athletic CBB (@TheAthleticCBB) January 7, 2021

Daily Toreador reporter Ryan Mainville (who is a very good twitter follow for basketball news) is reporting that Burnett is actually looking to transfer and not just sitting out the year.

Sources: This is not a temporary absence. Burnett is entering the transfer portal to play college basketball elsewhere. https://t.co/D4f1g4tg8s

— Ryan Mainville (@RyanMainvilleDT) January 7, 2021

Regardless, it appears that Texas Tech’s first 5-star signee is choosing to move on to greener pastures. Burnett averaged 5.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and was shooting 28% from the floor and 18% from the three-point line. This is the second transfer for the team as Joel Ntambwe transferred in the fall semester. From a depth and development standpoint, this does stink, but Burnett really had not earned more time, only playing 6 minutes against Kansas State. Had Burnett been more efficient offensively, then you could certainly see where he would warrant additional minutes, but that wasn’t happening as Beard tightened up his rotation since conference play started. I wish Burnett continued success (unless he’s playing a game against Texas Tech) and a place to call home.