Spike Albrecht will likely be best remembered for his NCAA Championship game heroics back in 2013, but he is getting one last shot at proving to be more than a one game wonder.
The former Michigan captain will reportedly transfer to Purdue to play his final college season and will be immediately eligible.
Michigan transfer Spike Albrecht told ESPN he will transfer to Purdue for his final season. Eligible to play next season for Boilermakers.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 3, 2016
Albrecht burst onto the scene as a freshman on the biggest stage in college basketball — the NCAA Championship. When Michigan’s star guard Trey Burke got into early foul trouble against Louisville, Albrecht subbed in and immediately caught fire from behind the arc. He came into the game averaging just 1.8 points per game, but poured in 17 points before halftime.
His underdog performance was a huge topic of discussion during and after the game, and Albrecht was briefly a national celebrity. He even took time to bask in the spotlight by tweeting at supermodel Kate Upton who was at the game. Though we are still awaiting word on Albrecht’s reaction to the news of Upton’s recent engagement to Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander.
@KateUpton hey saw you at the game last night, thanks for coming out! Hope to see you again 😉
— Spike Albrecht (@SpikeAlbrecht) April 9, 2013
Despite his spectacular breakout, Albrecht’s career has been rocky since. He played sparingly as a sophomore, but received big minutes as a junior, averaging 7.5 points and 3.9 assists per game. However, hip injuries derailed his 2015-16 season with the Wolverines. He only played in nine games before announcing he would step away from basketball in December.
Albrecht’s hip apparently felt good enough to return to the sport, and he announced in March he would transfer and play a fifth season. He initially wanted to finish out his career at Michigan, but a scholarship was not available. Making matters worse, Head Coach John Beilein tried to block Albrecht from transferring within the Big Ten. However, public outcry pressured Beilein to back off the ban — opening the door to Purdue.
It has been a long road for the point guard, but Albrecht will have one more season to show what he is fully capable of.
