The Michigan men’s basketball team announced on Friday that senior guard Spike Albrecht has elected to end his career with the Wolverines in order to focus on recovering from surgery on both hips from this past summer.

“This has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make,” Albrecht said in a press release. “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 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. 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!”

Albrecht had been limited in time this season as he recovered, but said last week that he was available to play in games.

“This has been an agonizing decision for Spike, especially at this juncture of the season,” Michigan men’s basketball coach John Beilein said. “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.

“He is a tremendous young man, who has had a very special career. His important role in our 2013 NCAA Tournament run and his incredible performance in the national title game were straight out of a storybook. His sophomore year we would not have won the Big Ten title or made a second straight trip in the Elite Eight without him.

“He has proven time and time again what heart and determination can do. Even last year, he played through so much pain, but held the team together and guided us through tough times.”

Albrecht was named a team captain before his junior season and served in that role again this year. After injuries to other guards last season, Albrecht started 18 games and scored 7.5 points per game.

In his time at Michigan, he helped the Wolverines reach the Final Four in his freshman year and claim its first outright Big Ten title in 28 years during his sophomore season. 

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