Spike Albrecht : All posts

Michigan basketball recruit Spike Albrecht grew up watching Zack Novak, shares his program-first attitude

He wasn't aware of it at the time, but Michael Albrecht and Michigan basketball go way back.

More than just a few weeks, more than a month.

Roughly a decade, actually.

"I've been watching Zack Novak play since the first grade," Albrecht recalls. "He was tough back then, too."

No longer a first grader, and no longer the little kid whose obsession with constantly wearing baseball cleats earned him the nickname "Spike," the undersized Indiana-born point guard is ready to do whatever it takes to make an impact in Ann Arbor.

Just like Novak.

Michigan basketball team announces signing of prep school point guard Spike Albrecht

Suddenly, the Michigan basketball program has a pair of point guards.

Michigan officially welcomed the fourth member of its 2012 recruiting class Wednesday by announcing the signing of Northfield Mount Hermon (Mass.) point guard Spike Albrecht.

"Spike Albrecht is an excellent addition to our basketball program," Michigan coach John Beilein said in a statement. "His work habits and love for the game remind me a lot of (former players) Zack (Novak), Stu (Douglass) and Corey (Person). He is a very skilled point guard with strong leadership skills, terrific court vision and a very high basketball IQ."

Michigan basketball picks up 2012 commitment from prep school point guard Spike Albrecht

This story was updated at 9:35 p.m.

Regardless of what Trey Burke's future holds, the Michigan basketball program has another ball handler in the fold for 2012-13.

Northfield Mount Hermon (Mass.) coach John Carroll confirmed via text message to AnnArbor.com on Friday that 2012 point guard Spike Albrecht offered a verbal commitment to Michigan coach John Beilein and the Wolverines.

And, according to Carroll, a better marriage might not exist.

"We played a very similar offense to what Michigan runs, and this kid is designed for this offense," Carroll said. "He was years ahead of other players when it came to understanding where this offense could go, and that's what you hope your point guard is.

"And I think he'll be the same for Michigan. I think (Beilein) will have a blast coaching this kid."