Report Card 2014: Spike Albrecht

Previously: Glenn Robinson III, Nik Stauskas, Jordan Morgan, Zak Irvin

After last season, Spike Albrecht’s name was on the tip of the country’s tongue after hitting up supermodel Kate Upton following Michigan’s loss to Louisville in the national title game. The sophomore had a first half for the ages, scoring 17 points with a flurry of 3-pointers. His sophomore season ended less dramatically, but Albrecht still had a solid season backing up freshman Derrick Walton at point guard. The Crown Point, IN native wasn’t always productive, but was his usual reliable self in limited minutes.

More than his on-court exploits, Albrecht was a steady, solid leader for the Wolverines this season. The point guard sacrificed plenty, working extensively with Walton at the beginning of the season to get the freshman ready to play even though he knew it would mean fewer minutes for himself. Walton, after Michigan’s victory over Tennessee in the Sweet Sixteen, said it was Albrecht who traditionally calmed the team down in the huddle near the end of games when even John Beilein was getting frantic. Michigan has had plenty of talent come and go the past few years, but Albrecht is, and will continue to be, the consummate program player.