From 2012-2015, Spike Albrecht played in 116 basketball games for the University of Michigan before announcing he was calling his career short due to injury.
During his time in Wolverines uniform, Albrecht had some memorable moments, including being named a team co-captain prior to the 2014-2015 season. But no moment of his was more memorable than his first half performance in the 2013 NCAA Championship Game against Louisville when he scored 17 points, including going 4-4 from beyond the arc.
On Saturday, Albrecht returned to Ann Arbor for Senior Day, but this time he was an opponent of the Wolverines. He decided to leave Michigan and head to Purdue as a grad transfer prior to the season and though he is now part of an outstanding team, Albrecht did not hold back his feeling for Michigan following an 82-70 loss against his former team.
From Tony Paul of The Detroit News:
“It was, like, weirder than I ever could have imagined,” said Albrecht, who was playing his first game at Crisler since Dec. 5, 2015. “It was tough, obviously the outcome.
“I’m glad it’s over, that’s for sure.”
For the most part, Saturday was like any other game day. Because it was an early start, Albrecht didn’t have time to get caught up in sentiment, or get distracted by meetings with friends and family.
But after the game, there was Albrecht, still a fan favorite in Ann Arbor, catching up with old teammates, Crisler Center workers and posing for pictures with anyone who asked.
Some things, it turns out, never change.
“I think Michigan will always have a special place in my heart,” he said. “I’ll always consider it my home.”
To read the rest of the story by Tony Paul of The Detroit News, including to find out if Albrecht has any regrets, we encourage you to click on the link below.
Source: Spike Albrecht on return to UM: ‘I’m glad it’s over’
