Michigan Wolverines: Spike Albrecht
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Draft day, three commitments and Big Ten realignment approved. Who said the end of April is slow for football? Well, whoever said it was wrong, because this past week has been jam-packed with news and stories for Michigan fans. So, let’s talk about it.
Next week Mike will take care of the mailbag so send any questions you have to him: @mikerothstein or michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com. Now, on to this week’s questions ...
1) Darryl G., Ypsilanti: Realistically, how excited can we be about either line next season?
Next week Mike will take care of the mailbag so send any questions you have to him: @mikerothstein or michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com. Now, on to this week’s questions ...
1) Darryl G., Ypsilanti: Realistically, how excited can we be about either line next season?
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WolverineNation roundtable 
April, 25, 2013
Apr 25
10:00
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings, Tom VanHaaren & Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, our writers sit down and take a look at three topics in Michigan athletics from the week. Today they consider breakout football players, basketball’s prospects next season and the ESPN 150.
1. Which Michigan football player do you think could have a breakout in 2013?
1. Which Michigan football player do you think could have a breakout in 2013?
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Hardaway Jr. makes correct decision
April, 17, 2013
Apr 17
3:32
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Tim Hardaway Jr. decision to leave for the NBA might not seem like the no-brainer it was for backcourt mate Trey Burke.
Hardaway Jr. isn’t projected as a lottery pick like the departing sophomore point guard. There’s a chance he could sneak into the first round if he has exceptional workouts. There’s a chance he could end up in the late second round or go undrafted if those same workouts don’t go well.
But it is a chance, at this point, Hardaway Jr. was wise to take.
He has done what he needed to do on the college level. He helped Michigan reach its first Final Four in 20 years. He was a first-team All-Big Ten player. And he stayed in college for three years, which is often an eternity for a player who has pro aspirations and makes himself well-known as a freshman.
More than any of Michigan’s other pro prospects, Hardaway Jr. understands what he is getting into. He has lived in the shadows of this lifestyle since he was born. His father was a first-round pick, played in the NBA for 13 seasons and was a five-time All-Star. Now, the son gets a chance to live the basketball life either in the United States or overseas.
If his goal was Europe, then it would make sense to stay because that would always be there. But if his goal is the NBA -- and it clearly is -- it is wise to make the jump now when people are paying attention to him.
For Michigan, losing Hardaway Jr. is not as big of a deal as Burke’s departure or the potential Glenn Robinson III/Mitch McGary announcements because of what the Wolverines have on the roster.
Michigan can slide Nik Stauskas into Hardaway Jr.’s slot as the 2 guard and could either push Robinson III down to the 3 or insert freshman Zak Irvin, the No. 24 recruit in the Class of 2013.
The departure might mean Michigan will need some more scoring from freshman Derrick Walton Jr. or sophomore Spike Albrecht as well, but more shots for Stauskas and Robinson III along with shots for Irvin should make up the difference.
Hardaway Jr. isn’t projected as a lottery pick like the departing sophomore point guard. There’s a chance he could sneak into the first round if he has exceptional workouts. There’s a chance he could end up in the late second round or go undrafted if those same workouts don’t go well.
But it is a chance, at this point, Hardaway Jr. was wise to take.
He has done what he needed to do on the college level. He helped Michigan reach its first Final Four in 20 years. He was a first-team All-Big Ten player. And he stayed in college for three years, which is often an eternity for a player who has pro aspirations and makes himself well-known as a freshman.
More than any of Michigan’s other pro prospects, Hardaway Jr. understands what he is getting into. He has lived in the shadows of this lifestyle since he was born. His father was a first-round pick, played in the NBA for 13 seasons and was a five-time All-Star. Now, the son gets a chance to live the basketball life either in the United States or overseas.
If his goal was Europe, then it would make sense to stay because that would always be there. But if his goal is the NBA -- and it clearly is -- it is wise to make the jump now when people are paying attention to him.
For Michigan, losing Hardaway Jr. is not as big of a deal as Burke’s departure or the potential Glenn Robinson III/Mitch McGary announcements because of what the Wolverines have on the roster.
Michigan can slide Nik Stauskas into Hardaway Jr.’s slot as the 2 guard and could either push Robinson III down to the 3 or insert freshman Zak Irvin, the No. 24 recruit in the Class of 2013.
The departure might mean Michigan will need some more scoring from freshman Derrick Walton Jr. or sophomore Spike Albrecht as well, but more shots for Stauskas and Robinson III along with shots for Irvin should make up the difference.
Michigan will be OK with Burke leaving
April, 14, 2013
Apr 14
2:24
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- In some ways, Michigan knew this was coming for a year -- from the day Trey Burke said he would return for his sophomore season with the Wolverines.
But much like Darius Morris before him, Trey Burke leaves this Michigan basketball program in much better position than when he entered. When Morris arrived, Michigan had just qualified for its first NCAA tournament berth in a decade. When he left, it had made two NCAA tournaments in three seasons and had recruited a point guard out of Columbus, Ohio with a lot of talent.
When Burke came in, he heard questions about how he could replace Morris, now in his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now as he leaves two seasons later, giving Michigan its first-ever Wooden Award winner, its first Final Four in two decades and a program now looking to recruit top-50 players every season, the same question will remain.
What’s next? Can Michigan maintain its consistency and upward ascent even without its 6-foot leader in Ann Arbor. And much like two seasons ago, that answer will be yes.
But much like Darius Morris before him, Trey Burke leaves this Michigan basketball program in much better position than when he entered. When Morris arrived, Michigan had just qualified for its first NCAA tournament berth in a decade. When he left, it had made two NCAA tournaments in three seasons and had recruited a point guard out of Columbus, Ohio with a lot of talent.
When Burke came in, he heard questions about how he could replace Morris, now in his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now as he leaves two seasons later, giving Michigan its first-ever Wooden Award winner, its first Final Four in two decades and a program now looking to recruit top-50 players every season, the same question will remain.
What’s next? Can Michigan maintain its consistency and upward ascent even without its 6-foot leader in Ann Arbor. And much like two seasons ago, that answer will be yes.
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WolverineNation Roundtable
April, 11, 2013
Apr 11
10:00
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings, Michael Rothstein & Tom VanHaaren | ESPN.com
Every Thursday our writers sit down to chat about three topics surrounding Michigan sports. This week, they take a look at the past national title game, the ensuing spring game and the 2014 recruiting class.
1) What will you remember most about the Michigan-Louisville game?
1) What will you remember most about the Michigan-Louisville game?
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan reached its first national championship game in two decades on Monday night and while losing to Louisville, one thing became fairly clear in the first hours of the Wolverines’ postseason.
There is a chance this was not a one-off thing at all.
Depending who leaves and who returns to Michigan’s roster, it could be in a similar position next season. But that is over a summer away. There’s still a football season -- and a spring game Saturday -- to go.
There is a chance this was not a one-off thing at all.
Depending who leaves and who returns to Michigan’s roster, it could be in a similar position next season. But that is over a summer away. There’s still a football season -- and a spring game Saturday -- to go.
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The Wolverines have reached the Final Four for the first time since 1993. That means the last time Michigan stepped on a Final Four floor, not only had America just sworn in its first female attorney general, but Tag Team and Boy George were both dominating American air waves.
We’ll call it a draw for humanity.
So in the spirit of the basketball frenzy that has taken over, I’ll answer your roundball questions this week as the Wolverine fans prepare for what is an historic day. Mike will take care of the mailbag next week, so send your questions on to him at @MikeRothstein or michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com. Now, let’s talk some basketball ...
We’ll call it a draw for humanity.
So in the spirit of the basketball frenzy that has taken over, I’ll answer your roundball questions this week as the Wolverine fans prepare for what is an historic day. Mike will take care of the mailbag next week, so send your questions on to him at @MikeRothstein or michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com. Now, let’s talk some basketball ...
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WolverineNation Roundtable
March, 7, 2013
Mar 7
9:35
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings, Michael Rothstein & Tom VanHaaren | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, our writers sit down to throw around some ideas about a few issues surrounding Michigan sports. This week, Tom, Mike and Chantel take a crack at some spring football storylines, some underrated basketball players and younger prospects who have the opportunity to blow up on the recruiting scene this summer.
1) Spring football is right around the corner, what storyline are you most interested to follow as the Wolverines get their 15 spring practices?
1) Spring football is right around the corner, what storyline are you most interested to follow as the Wolverines get their 15 spring practices?
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Football season might have ended, but that doesn’t mean your questions have stopped.
In this week’s WolverineNation mailbag, we look back at the Michigan season that was, take a glance at the future and also discuss some basketball, where the Wolverines are the No. 2 team in the nation.
Have questions for the Mailbag? Email Chantel Jennings at jenningsespn@gmail.com or tweet at her @chanteljennings.
In this week’s WolverineNation mailbag, we look back at the Michigan season that was, take a glance at the future and also discuss some basketball, where the Wolverines are the No. 2 team in the nation.
Have questions for the Mailbag? Email Chantel Jennings at jenningsespn@gmail.com or tweet at her @chanteljennings.
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WolverineNation roundtable
December, 13, 2012
12/13/12
9:20
AM ET
By WolverineNation Staff | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Every Thursday, the WolverineNation staff puts its heads together to discuss a few of the big issues in Michigan sports. This week, the three take a look at an offensive lineman’s decision, a basketball surprise and the early enrollments on the horizon.
1) Taylor Lewan has a big decision to make, so let's hear it, does he stay or go pro? What are the circumstances for each? Chantel Jennings: He goes. The only way I see him not going is if he gets injured in the South Carolina game. The money is on the table and physically/mentally I think he’s ready. His athleticism and upside make him a no-brainer for most NFL teams. Plus, he’s already tatted up so you’ve got that out of the way.
Michael Rothstein: Barring injury, tough to see him staying. My rule of thumb on this (save quarterbacks) is if you can be a first- or second-round pick, you probably should leave. Maybe Lewan will surprise and stay, but I think he has to leave. There is too much potential money on the table. The only other way I could see him staying is if Jadeveon Clowney absolutely crushes him in the Outback Bowl, but I don't know if that is going to happen, either.
1) Taylor Lewan has a big decision to make, so let's hear it, does he stay or go pro? What are the circumstances for each? Chantel Jennings: He goes. The only way I see him not going is if he gets injured in the South Carolina game. The money is on the table and physically/mentally I think he’s ready. His athleticism and upside make him a no-brainer for most NFL teams. Plus, he’s already tatted up so you’ve got that out of the way.
Michael Rothstein: Barring injury, tough to see him staying. My rule of thumb on this (save quarterbacks) is if you can be a first- or second-round pick, you probably should leave. Maybe Lewan will surprise and stay, but I think he has to leave. There is too much potential money on the table. The only other way I could see him staying is if Jadeveon Clowney absolutely crushes him in the Outback Bowl, but I don't know if that is going to happen, either.
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Could a former Michigan coach return? What will Michigan’s record be next football season? This basketball season?
These questions and more are answered in this week’s WolverineNation mailbag. Chantel has the mailbag next week, so drop her questions at jenningsespn@gmail.com or @chanteljennings on Twitter.
Now, to your questions:
These questions and more are answered in this week’s WolverineNation mailbag. Chantel has the mailbag next week, so drop her questions at jenningsespn@gmail.com or @chanteljennings on Twitter.
Now, to your questions:
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Michigan point guard Trey Burke has had a lot to think about this offseason: his decision to stay in Ann Arbor, the loss of his two senior leaders, the transfer of a starter and five freshmen to incorporate into what will be his team.
Naturally, questions linger for him about what this new team could do, especially after an opening-round loss to Ohio in the NCAA Tournament
But Burke plans on answering those questions with championships this season -- won with help from his freshmen.
"The freshmen look great, we have a lot of experience coming back," Burke said. "We have a really good team. … Everyone has that chemistry from last year with the freshmen coming in. I really think we're national championship contenders."
Naturally, questions linger for him about what this new team could do, especially after an opening-round loss to Ohio in the NCAA Tournament
But Burke plans on answering those questions with championships this season -- won with help from his freshmen.
"The freshmen look great, we have a lot of experience coming back," Burke said. "We have a really good team. … Everyone has that chemistry from last year with the freshmen coming in. I really think we're national championship contenders."
Entrance Interview is a series at WolverineNation -- similar to our Exit Interview series -- where we chat with incoming Michigan football and men's basketball players about their thoughts as they start college, what their expectations are, and what they'll miss most about high school.
Spike Albrecht (Crown Point, Ind./Northfield Mount Hermon) was a late addition to the Michigan Class of 2012, but he fits in just fine. Part of the reason for that is his familiarity with most of the rest of the Wolverines recruiting class, playing summer basketball with Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary with SYF Players.
The 6-foot, 170-pound point guard picked up an offer from Michigan late after playing in prep school for a year and accepted immediately. WolverineNation caught up with Albrecht, whose given name is Michael, in his final month before heading to Ann Arbor, Mich. to start college.
Spike Albrecht (Crown Point, Ind./Northfield Mount Hermon) was a late addition to the Michigan Class of 2012, but he fits in just fine. Part of the reason for that is his familiarity with most of the rest of the Wolverines recruiting class, playing summer basketball with Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary with SYF Players.
The 6-foot, 170-pound point guard picked up an offer from Michigan late after playing in prep school for a year and accepted immediately. WolverineNation caught up with Albrecht, whose given name is Michael, in his final month before heading to Ann Arbor, Mich. to start college.
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B1G footprint important for Michigan
May, 17, 2012
5/17/12
11:09
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
John Beilein always wants to be in the Big Ten’s footprint.
As the sixth-year Michigan basketball coach discussed his recruiting philosophy during a wide-ranging conversation with reporters Thursday, he explained the states comprising the Big Ten will often be a focus of his recruiting.
“The footprint of where we are recruiting is still the Big Ten,” Beilein said. “Neighboring states are always good.”
Those neighboring states will make up much of the Michigan roster the next two seasons.
As the sixth-year Michigan basketball coach discussed his recruiting philosophy during a wide-ranging conversation with reporters Thursday, he explained the states comprising the Big Ten will often be a focus of his recruiting.
“The footprint of where we are recruiting is still the Big Ten,” Beilein said. “Neighboring states are always good.”
Those neighboring states will make up much of the Michigan roster the next two seasons.
Michigan has added another player to its Class of 2012 haul late in the process.
Guard Caris LeVert (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central) gave a late commitment to the Wolverines after a visit last week, making him the fifth member of his class.
The 6-foot-4 LeVert became available after he asked for a release from his scholarship from Ohio following then-Bobcats coach John Groce’s departure for Illinois. LeVert then decided to open up his recruitment, which led to interest from Michigan, Purdue and Dayton.
Guard Caris LeVert (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central) gave a late commitment to the Wolverines after a visit last week, making him the fifth member of his class.
The 6-foot-4 LeVert became available after he asked for a release from his scholarship from Ohio following then-Bobcats coach John Groce’s departure for Illinois. LeVert then decided to open up his recruitment, which led to interest from Michigan, Purdue and Dayton.
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ABOUT WOLVERINE NATION
Michael Rothstein
Michael Rothstein joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for AnnArbor.com, Notre Dame for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette and a host of colleges for the Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, Va.). A Syracuse graduate and an East Meadow, N.Y., native, he lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. He can be reached at michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com.
Tom VanHaaren
Tom VanHaaren joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for three years at MGoBlog.com. VanHaaren and his wife currently reside in Royal Oak, Mich. He can be reached at TomVHESPN@gmail.com.
Chantel Jennings
Chantel Jennings joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Michigan athletics for three years at The Michigan Daily. Chantel graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in English and Spanish and lives in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at jenningsespn@gmail.com.