Spike Done
[Bryan Fuller]
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's basketball senior guard Spike Albrecht announced today (Friday, Dec. 11) he has elected to step away from the court for the remainder of the season. He will concentrate on his continued recovery and the rehabilitation process following bilateral hip surgery this past summer.
"This has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make," said Albrecht. "After taking a hard look at what is best for me, and this team, I will be stepping away from the game that has meant so much to me.
"I am so thankful for what Coach Beilein, the assistants and the medical staff have done for me during my career and in particular over the last year while I was dealing with this injury. I just have a little more to go and I really need to take the proper time to finish my rehab.
"The University of Michigan has provided me and my family so much, I don't really even have the words to express my gratitude. This place is truly special and I hope I was able to leave just a little bit of a mark during my career. I cannot thank Wolverine nation enough for all the love and support they have shown me throughout my four years here. Forever and always -- Go Blue!"
"This has been an agonizing decision for Spike, especially at this juncture of the season," said U-M head coach John Beilein. "He has done so much to get back to this point, but his long-term health is what is most important now and in the future. We want only the best for Spike.
"He is a tremendous young man, who has had a very special career. His important role in our 2013 NCAA Tournament run and his incredible performance in the national title game were straight out of a storybook. His sophomore year we would not have won the Big Ten title or made a second straight trip in the Elite Eight without him.
"He has proven time and time again what heart and determination can do. Even last year, he played through so much pain, but held the team together and guided us through tough times."
Albrecht played in 115 career games for the Wolverines. A two-time team captain, he was named Michigan's co-MVP last season after starting 18 of 31 games and posting a career-best 7.5 points per game.
As a freshman, he played in all 39 games and helped U-M reach the Final Four for the first time in 20 years as well as tie the school record for wins (31). It was his 17-point performance in the national title game against Louisville that will see him remembered for years to come.
Albrecht guided U-M to a second straight Elite Eight appearance as a sophomore as the Wolverines lost on a last second-shot to Kentucky to miss a second straight Final Four. That same season, he played in all 37 games and helped the Maize and Blue to its first outright Big Ten title in 28 years.
He would be eligible to take a medical redshirt and return next year, but from the way they’re talking about this it seems clear his career over-over. It is a tribute to Spike how much that utterly sucks.
December 11th, 2015 at 9:46 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 9:47 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 9:48 AM ^
wish all the best for Spike and hoping this allows him to spend more time with Kate Upton
December 11th, 2015 at 9:48 AM ^
First thought...this week fucking sucks.
Second thought...that is selfish.
Third thought...thank you Spike. You were incredible, a great representative of the program, the heartbeat of our team. Speedy recovery to you!
December 11th, 2015 at 9:49 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:06 AM ^
chubby?
December 11th, 2015 at 9:49 AM ^
Very sad day.
December 11th, 2015 at 9:49 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:04 AM ^
What's he studying?
/ not being snarky but he's not getting drafted so obviously he's given it thought
December 11th, 2015 at 12:03 PM ^
General Studies major, according to official bio.
December 12th, 2015 at 4:38 AM ^
He talked about the B school when we talked and was just very appreciative of all the alumni connections he'll have in the professional world and was asking me for advice. Never acted like he was better or a celebrity, just a genuine guy. Damn, I'm still emotional just thinking about how unfair of an ending this is for him
December 11th, 2015 at 10:24 AM ^
As Brian said, this just plain sucks.
Spike's dedication and hard work as a studen-athlete should port itself well to whatever he chooses to do after he graduates, and I'm sure he will be very successful. I wish him nothing but the best.
December 11th, 2015 at 9:54 AM ^
I think I'll remember him most for the fun he seemed to have playing the game. Some players make D1 basketball seem like a grim slog. But Spike seemed to enjoy the game as if he'd just been asked to come out of the stands and play for his favorite team. He was a stand-in for us fans in that way. He'll be sorely missed.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:24 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 3:54 PM ^
Always a consideration with those 6'10" guys...like do they really want to practice dribbling or is that just the way the genetic cookie crumbled?
Anyway, SPIKE! What a great contributor to the team...will be missed, but mostly celebrated.
December 11th, 2015 at 9:57 AM ^
Spike has been a true fan favorite. Many thanks to him for all his efforts, and all the best wishes for his future. Go Spike!
December 11th, 2015 at 10:00 AM ^
thanks for the memories.
live a long, healthy fruitful life as a true michigan man.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:02 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:04 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 10:55 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 11:21 AM ^
Unfortunately, it's probably just simple physics. Can you imagine the stress that carrying around those huevos would put on his bones?
December 11th, 2015 at 2:12 PM ^
+1 cause this is awesome.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:02 AM ^
You forgot to put this in your post:
December 11th, 2015 at 11:14 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:02 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:04 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 10:06 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:07 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 10:08 AM ^
Spike was one of those players who was so full of heart and life and drive, you just loved watching him play. It's very sad his career has to end in this way, instead of him getting to enjoy his senior year on the court. He is a rare gift, who always gave 100% of himself and he will be deeply missed. Best of luck Spike, both in your rehab and in your life after UM. I know you will meet it with the same drive and determination to succeed. This won't be the last we hear of you.
Go Blue!
December 11th, 2015 at 10:12 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 10:20 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:21 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:22 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 10:27 AM ^
He is a glue guy that holds the team together and also has the guts to hit big shots. A great combination.
Maybe he can teach Walton and MAAR the dribble like a whirling dervish through and around the lane move he perfected.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:29 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:29 AM ^
May they continue to hang low.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:31 AM ^
My favorite player to watch. So much fun! Damn.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:36 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 10:37 AM ^
Crappy, crappy news. Spike has definitely been one of my favorite U-M hoops players of all time. Loved his willingness to jack up a shot from ten feet outside the arc and hit them. Loved the white chocolate and nonstop energy in his game. Just fun to watch at all times.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:40 AM ^
Best wishes Spike and hoping for a speedy and full recovery for you.
Thanks so much for everything you have done on and off the court.
You are a fine representative of the institution we love.
Go Blue.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:44 AM ^
But this hurts. I was dreading losing him after graduation this year anyway. He will be very, very, VERY missed.
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December 11th, 2015 at 10:45 AM ^
I've been less sad when I younger and my kid heroes went early to the pros. Spike is what college sports, and really just being in college are supposed to be about.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:56 AM ^
Is someone cutting onions in my office right now? Geez...
All the best to you, Spike. I will really miss yelling "SPIIIIKE!!" every time a game-changing three pointer left your fingertips.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:50 AM ^
Thank you Spike. I wish all our players had half as much heart as he does. Go Blue
December 11th, 2015 at 10:51 AM ^
We'll miss you on the court, but know you'll be successful in your post-Michigan career. You gave us Michigan hoop fans some great memories!
December 11th, 2015 at 10:52 AM ^
Stole a pass and stole our Maize-n-Blue hearts!
December 11th, 2015 at 10:56 AM ^
Looking forward to Spike becoming a regular commentator on the MGoBoards as he transitions from player to former player... bittersweet, but we'll always remember and appreciate! Thanks, Spike!
December 11th, 2015 at 11:02 AM ^
welcome: Drake Harris?
PS - You know Kate upton's gonna tweet at him....
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