Maize craze nation received wonderful news Monday when All-American freshman point guard Trey Burke announced he would be returning to Michigan for his sophomore season.
Burke, the 2011 Ohio Mr. Basketball winner, was clearly the driving force for the Wolverines capturing a slice of the Big Ten regular season crown for the first time since 1986. Burke demonstrated uncanny poise and production for a newcomer last season, averaging about 15 points, five assists and four rebounds per game. Burke will be expected to fill the leadership void left by graduating seniors Zach Novak and Stu Douglass.
“Over the past few weeks, I have spent a lot of time thinking and praying about my future-not just about next year but many years down the road. After gathering information, I am excited to be continuing my education at Michigan as we look to accomplish even more in our 2012-2013 season.“
“I have so much more to develop as both a student and athlete, and there is no better place to do that than here at Michigan. I love my Michigan family and am really excited about playing with my teammates and our incoming freshmen. I want to thank my parents, my teammates and my coaches for the patience and guidance they gave me since this process began a few weeks ago,” said Burke.
The incoming freshmen class features three Top 100 basketball recruits including Brewster Academy power forward Mitch McGary, Lake Central High small forward Glenn Robinson III and St. Mark’s small forward Nic Stauskas. The Wolverines also just signed Northfield Mount Hermon point guard Spike Albrecht to back up Burke next year.
Expect the new recruits to be an integral part of next year’s squad due to the recent transfers of Evan Smotrcyz, Carlton Brundidge and Colton Christian. Big man Jon Horford will return from a season-ending foot injury and provide much needed depth to the frontcourt.
With Trey Burke leading the way, Michigan should challenge for the Big Ten crown again and be in a position to make a deep tourney run next March.
