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Michigan Basketball: Spike Albrecht Could Return Next Season

By Matt Snyder

Feb 1, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Spike Albrecht (2) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Spike Albrecht (2) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Spike Albrecht, who ended his season in December due to continued concerns with his injured hip, could return to play Michigan basketball next season.

When Spike Albrecht announced he was ending his season due to concerns with his hip most thought it was the end of his Michigan basketball career. Here’s what The Michigan Daily had to say about his announcement.

"But it’s over. Albrecht’s time with the Michigan men’s basketball team — always fun to watch, often surreal, rarely straightforward — came to an end Thursday, when he informed Beilein of his decision to sit out the rest of the season as he continues to recover from a pair of offseason hip surgeries, thereby ending his career as a Wolverine."

But, as it turns out, his career might not be over. Albrecht could be eligible for a medical redshirt due to participating in fewer than 30% of Michigan’s games this season. There’s been speculation — including an indication from Spike’s father — that he’ll attempt to play next season.

Albrecht spoke to the Detroit News on Tuesday and admitted there’s a chance he could rejoin the team next season.

"“If I keep getting better and feeling better, who knows? I’d have to have a sitdown and reevaluate with the doctors, Coach (John) Beilein.”"

But a potential return is far from settled. It doesn’t sound like he’s willing to force himself back onto the court if he can’t shake the hip pain that has plagued him following offseason surgeries. From the Detroit News article again:

"“If my body doesn’t cooperate, it doesn’t cooperate,” Albrecht said. “I can’t really say either way, whether or not I want to come back or not. It all depends on my body.”"

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Coach John Beilein had previously mentioned the possibility of giving Albrecht a final sendoff on Senior Day. While serving as a touching tribute for the player, team, and fans, appearing in a late-season game would eliminate the possibility of the season being designated as a medical redshirt year.

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