Watch CBS News

Scene-Stealing Albrecht Praises Fab Five, Beilein, Says Team Had Talent To Win

ATLANTA (97.1 The Ticket) His unusual name was trending on Twitter before the half, but after the game it was a subdued Spike Albrecht who talked to the media about the big Michigan NCAA championship game loss to Louisville.

"It hurts a lot, especially when you go this far," Albrecht said in the locker room after the game, adding, "We came so close, but I can't thank our seniors enough, they're the greatest group of guys I've ever been around ... They sacrificed so much for this team they're just great teammates and great people."

Albrecht was the story of the game, scoring 17 points in the first half to come from nowhere as a freshman who wasn't exactly a highly sought recruit. Albrecht brushed off the heroics of his high-scoring feat, saying he's not exactly a newcomer anymore.

"We're not freshmen anymore, we played through the whole Big Ten season," he said. "Besides Trey and Tim, the freshmen play the majority of the minutes."

He also thanked the Fab Five for showing up, saying "That unbelievable  we're so happy that they came."

Albrecht also gave coach John Beilein credit for recruiting Michigan's roster of players, and said they had the talent to clinch the championship, but "Louisville's just a damn good team."

What's next for Albrecht? "Especially for me as a freshman, this is only the beginning," he said.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.