Michigan's Spike Albrecht Retiring Due to Injuries
By Kyle Koster
Michigan guard Spike Albrecht, who became a folk hero with his improbable performance in the 2013 national championship game, is stepping away from basketball. The Wolverines point guard and co-captain had two hip surgeries in the offseason and has been averaging only 8.6 minutes this season.
"“This has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make,” Albrecht said in a university press release. “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 (John( 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!"
Although Albrecht never scored more than 7.5 points per game during a season, his place in Michigan basketball history was forever secured when he scored 17 first-half points against Louisville on the sport’s biggest stage while shooting 4-for-4 from three-point range. Taking a pass at Kate Upton while his stock was at an all-time high was also admirable.
He fought his way to co-MVP team honors last season despite battling a genetic hip condition.
College basketball just became a lot less fun. It’s going to be a long time until another deadly long-range assassin who looks like 2009 Justin Bieber comes around again.