Spike Albrecht Out 4-5 Months For Michigan Wolverines

On Wednesday morning, the Michigan Athletic Department indicated the news that has been rumored for weeks.  Point guard Spike Albrecht would be undergoing offseason surgery and would like miss most, if not all of the offseason.  He has been struggling with hip issues and surgery was considered to be the best option.

Albrecht underwent the surgery on April 8th and he may consider surgery on his other hip as well.  Although details have not been released regarding the specific issue, it is clearly something that is unique to him and according to statements he has made in the past, has been troubling him for most of the season.

Albrecht talked about the surgery and the support he has received for the procedure.

"This is something I knew I would have to do and now is the right time. I am so appreciative of all the support I have received from the U-M medical doctors and staff, the U-M coaching staff, my teammates and especially all the Wolverine fans. I cannot wait to get back to the floor playing pain free."

Head coach John Beilein also talked about the process for Spike in the release.

"There is no player tougher than Spike Albrecht. He proved that this season playing through injury and continual pain in both hips. He never used it as an excuse, and I will always admire him for that. We have some of the world's best doctors at the University of Michigan, and we are confident he will only get better following this surgery and his summer of rehabilitation. I am not expecting Spike to dunk anytime soon, but we do expect a full recovery by the start of our September workouts. We just want Spike to be at his best for his senior year at Michigan."

Spike made major contributions to a Michigan backcourt struggling through the injuries of Caris LeVert and Derrick Walton, Jr. last season.  He played in 30 games for the team last season and in 76.8% of the team's minutes.  He had an offensive rating of 112.0 and an impressive assist rate of 25.6%.  In the final 5 games of the season, he played 95% of team's minutes at point guard.  He likely most well known for his offensive performance for Michigan in the 2013 National Championship game where the Wolverines fell short to Louisville.

Michigan is considered to be a potential Top 25 team for next season, but the recovery of Spike Albrecht over the offseason could have a big impact on their hopes to get back to the NCAA Tournament.