Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, December 11, 2015
Spike Albrecht's Michigan basketball career is over.
[ MORE: Relieve these Spike Albrecht plays ]
Albrecht announced today he has elected to step away from the court for the remainder of the season due to injuries. Albrecht has battled a genetic hip condition for almost two years and has struggled to return to full health this season.
"This has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make,"Albrecht said. "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."
Albrecht, who is a co-captain this season, will concentrate on rehabilitating his hip after undergoing bilateral hip surgery this past summer. He played in eight games this season, scoring just 15 points.
Albrecht's most memorable moment on the basketball court came in the 2013 national title game, when All-American Trey Burke was forced to sit early with two fouls. Albrecht came into the game and had a 17-point first half, one of the most memorable moments in NCAA Tournament history.
A two-time team captain, Albrecht was named Michigan's co-MVP last season after starting 18 of 31 games and averaging a career-best 7.5 points per game.
Here is a look at some of the top social media reactions following Albrecht's announcement.
Sad to hear my bro @SpikeAlbrecht is done playing. The things he was able to accomplish was amazing and his future will be better. All love!
— Glenn Robinson III (@GRIII) December 11, 2015
https://twitter.com/Jbart20/status/675308227605766144Congrats to @SpikeAlbrecht on an amazing college career. The game is gonna miss having you on the court. Thanks for the memories! #GoBlue
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) December 11, 2015
He'll always be remembered as the "Baby Faced Assassin" what an incredible heart of a champion. #WE? pic.twitter.com/WuC2Th11ZK
— Coach BA (@bacari34) December 11, 2015
Imma miss gettin hype for my dog dropping bombs! Get well good brotha! @SpikeAlbrecht ??https://t.co/eFVVzZJwTR? pic.twitter.com/S1Z1ddCWiH
— Devin GARDNER (@devingardnerXCI) December 11, 2015