Michigan Basketball: Spike Albrecht's Perseverance Set to Pay Off in 2014-15

Spike Albrecht’s ascent at Michigan has been anything but rapid.

But it’s been constant.

As a freshman, he averaged just more than eight minutes per game, highlighted by a 17-point performance during the Wolverines’ 2013 national title loss to Louisville.

As a sophomore reserve on another talented team, he averaged nearly 15 minutes and flashed a few more cards as the Wolverines crashed into the Elite Eight.

Today, he’s well-versed in the patient, methodical approach, ready to take full advantage once his name’s called.

And because of that work ethic and demeanor, he’s due for a steep increase in minutes and responsibility this season. And because of that, he’s the perfect example for the Wolverines’ incoming group of freshmen: Stay the course, and you’ll be rewarded.

That’s the lesson.

Assisting the Tone

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Everyone learns at an individual pace, Albrecht said. Some are faster than others. However, making progress is always the end goal, and that’s an idea he continues to preach to teammates and learn from coaches.

After logging heavy and often mistake-filled reps with the new kids during a recent practice, Albrecht discussed his development with coach John Beilein, who recalled a slightly different scenario from two years ago while simultaneously reminding Albrecht that it takes more than a couple of months of practices and an exhibition in order to jell.

“Coach B was giving me a hard time, and I was telling him I felt like I picked it up way faster than these guys [freshmen] but he was like ‘No, you were right there with them,’” Albrecht said, laughing. “So, you know, everyone goes through it...

...just guys still have to study the playbook a little bit more and things like that so we don’t have breakdowns in games; it’s fine we’re having them in practice right now, but as we get going, we’ve got to clean that up.”

Two years ago, he was a mere afterthought until April—the Louisville game opened a few eyes. This past season, he was a seldom-mentioned backup who hit double-digit scoring once—a 10-point effort during a 72-70 loss to then No. 1-ranked Arizona.

If anyone knows about taking strides, it’s Albrecht—who’s been thrust to the front of the bench and into a captaincy role. He'll learn how to adjust to the new while helping mold eight new players. 

Strength by Design

If Caris LeVert, Derrick Walton and Zak Irvin make up the fabric of Wolverines basketball, then Albrecht is the needle that stitches everything together into a uniform pattern.

He’s been praised by Beilein and teammates for developing into a true go-to.

Whether it’s a question about a play, something about campus or all or none of the aforementioned, Albrecht says that he’s always willing to help—and that’s an important dynamic of team building. Everyone is focused on becoming more effective on the court and tighter away from it.

“I think this year’s group, out of my three years, this is the closest-knit group we’ve had,” Albrecht said. “I don’t know why. Maybe the trip to Italy helped—I’m sure it did.

But this team seems to have a really good—the guys on the team seem to have a really good relationship with each other. And I think that off-the-court friendships, you know, that transitions on the court. I think that’s why we’re picking things up so quickly.”

The "picking things up so quickly" comment was in reference to chemistry. Both Beilein and Albrecht stressed that the Wolverines have miles to go before they're in a firm position to contend for championships. 

Talent-wise, everything is there. They'll be OK this season, as freshmen Kameron Chatman, Mark Donnal (RS), Ricky Doyle and Aubrey Dawkins, along with Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and D.J. Wilson, join the show. 

Albrecht and the rest of the wily “veterans”—Irvin, Walton, Bielfeldt and LeVert—shouldn’t have too much difficulty with the 2014 crop, which ranked No. 27 overall and No. 4 in the Big Ten, per 247Sports.

“From where we were at before Italy, we’ve come a long, long way," he said. 

Hear what Albrecht had to say about his first game (2:15). He also discusses what it was like to see players get rings for 2012 during his freshman season (3:20).

Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines basketball writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer.