Michigan Guard Spike Albrecht To Retire From Basketball

While retirements are usually reserved for grizzled veterans, 23-year-old Michigan Wolverines guard Spike Albrecht is calling his basketball career quits due to injury.

The Indiana native burst onto the scene during the 2012-13 NCAA Tournament. During the championship game against Louisville, Albrecht came off the bench to hit four consecutive three pointers. He would finish the half with 17 points, but the Wolverines would ultimately lose the game.

While he continued to develop as a player since then, Albrecht has struggled with injuries. He suffers from a genetic hip condition and needed two hip surgeries during the offseason.

“This has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make,” Albrecht said in a statement. “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,” he continued. “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,” coach Beilein added. “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.”

Photo: Spike Albrecht of the 2012–13 Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team. Photo by Adam Glanzman, via Wikimedia Commons