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Jeff Goodman, ESPN Insider 8y

Ex-Wolverines PG Spike Albrecht to play for Purdue

Men's College Basketball, Michigan Michigan, Purdue Boilermakers

Former Michigan point guard Spike Albrecht will finish his career at Purdue.

"They were one of the first schools to contact me," Albrecht said. "I can tell they really wanted me. I didn't want to be the second or third option for a school, and I felt that Coach [Matt] Painter was the most honest through the process. It's a good fit and is close to home."

The 5-foot-11 senior, who grew up an hour from West Lafayette, Indiana, is a graduate transfer and will be allowed to play for the Boilermakers next season. Albrecht's college career appeared to be over after nine games this season when he was shut down due to injuries.

"I fully expect to be better than ever once the season starts," Albrecht said of his health. "I'm back working out now and trying to shake the rust off."

Albrecht, who is best remembered for scoring 17 points in Michigan's loss to Louisville in the national title game in 2013, averaged 7.5 points and 3.9 assists in 2014-15 when he was healthy.

However, Albrecht told ESPN he is getting close to 100 percent and decided to transfer for his final season. Initially, Michigan coach John Beilein restricted Albrecht -- who said he would have remained in Ann Arbor if the Wolverines had a scholarship available -- from transferring within the Big Ten. However, Beilein wound up lifting the restriction.

Purdue's biggest weakness last season was point guard play. Albrecht will have an opportunity to compete for the starting spot with holdover P.J. Thompson.

"P.J. was a big reason why I am going to Purdue," Albrecht said. "He was great and said how much he wanted me to come. I didn't want to a situation where there would be hostility with other guys because I'm coming in for one year."

"All I want is an opportunity to compete for minutes," he added. "I don't care what my role is; I just want to help the team win."

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