Trey Burke will return to Michigan for sophomore season
Michigan announced Monday that point guard Trey Burke, right, will return for his sophomore season with the Wolverines.
Updated story: Trey Burke was close to leaving Michigan, returned to compete for a national title
Trey Burke isn't going anywhere.
After roughly three weeks of contemplating his future, the co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year announced Monday that he plans to return to the Michigan basketball program for his sophomore season.
"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," Burke said in a statement released by the school. "After gathering information, I am excited to be continuing my education at Michigan as we look to accomplish even more in our 2012-13 season."
Burke led the Wolverines with 14.8 points per game last season, set the school record for assists by a freshman and became Michigan's first Associated Press All-American since 1998.
Following the conclusion of the Wolverines' 2011-12 season, Burke's father, Benji, announced that his son would explore his options with regard to the 2012 NBA draft, saying he'd been given information that his 5-foot-11 son could be a first round selection.
Last week, both CBSSports.com and the Detroit Free Press reported that Burke was expected to leave school early in favor of the NBA.
That, however, didn't happen.
And now, the Wolverines have their point guard back officially.
"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," Burke said in a statement. "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."
The NCAA-imposed NBA draft deadline is set for Tuesday. However, prospects have until April 29 to enter their name into the draft. Meaning, Burke can technically still change his mind.
But, for now, Burke's announcement Monday markedly improves Michigan's prospects for next season, as his absence would have created a large void at the point guard position.
Now, Burke will be expected to be the team's centerpiece, alongside returners Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jordan Morgan, as well as incoming freshmen Mitch McGary, Glenn Robinson III and Nik Stauskas.
And, unlike last season, the Wolverines will also have a true backup for Burke, as Michigan received a verbal commitment from Northfield Mount Hermon point guard Spike Albrecht, who can officially sign a letter of intent when the spring period begins Wednesday.
With Burke back in the fold, Michigan will be expected to compete for a second straight Big Ten championship, and possibly more.
The news of Burke's decision quickly spread via social media Monday afternoon, and at 1:14 p.m., "Trey Burke" was trending worldwide on Twitter.
"We tried to provide Trey and his family with the best information possible and as much time as possible to make an informed decision," Michigan coach John Beilein said in a statement. "We wanted him to think this through carefully so he was 100 percent certain of what he wanted to do moving forward."
Michigan's roster moves may not be over just yet, though. The transfers of Evan Smotrycz, Colton Christian and Carlton Brundidge left the Wolverines with open scholarships for next season.
Albrecht is expected to take one, leaving two more spots available.
But, as of Monday, none of that seemed to matter as much as it did a week ago.
Trey Burke says he's coming back.
And Michigan basketball's future just became much more clear.
"We loved coaching Trey this season," Beilein said. "It is very unusual to have a freshman point guard play with such poise and confidence all year long. He is a clutch performer with a great work ethic and a brilliant future in front of him.
"As our team leadership changes hands, I know Trey will join the other returning players as we strive to be the leaders and best in all we do."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
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Comments
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 11:58 a.m.
All the worlds problems are solved....thank you Trey Burke or should we call you God from now on.
Jaxon5
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
Headline: Trey Burke decides to stay at UM after reading the comments from readers on Nick Baumgartner's articles on AnnArbor.com.
burton163
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 12:26 a.m.
lol!
Alxmen
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 11:15 p.m.
Way to go Trey, Good Decision!
turbonerd
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 10:53 p.m.
It's better for him and Michigan. No doubt.
mookienation
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 9:49 p.m.
PG - Trey Burke SG - Tim Hardaway SF - Glenn Robinson SF - Nick Stauskas PF - Mitch McGary I like the look of that! I'm also excited to see Horford back on the floor. From what I saw this past winter, he looked like he had made some major strides in his game from his Freshman year. Hopefully he'll continue to pack on some muscle. It'll also be interesting to see if Vogrich steps up and fills in the void left by Novak and Douglass. Being able to switch out McGary for Morgan will be great as well. Could be a really good year!
golions34
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
and what of the rumors that burke hasn't been to class for 3+ weeks?
mookienation
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.
Rumors.
heartbreakM
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.
THE TRUE STORY OF THIS DECISION: "Darius, what do you think" "Trey, the NBA is AWESOME" "Darius, what's it like" "The chairs are really really comfortable, the per diems allow you to eat in all the best restaurants, and Kobe even lets me sit next to him at the sushi place" "But Darius, what about the players" "Well, the chairs are really comfortable"
scott
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 8 p.m.
Is he for sure back or is msu's AD still trying to pull a petition together to get him to leave to the NBA?
MRunner73
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
fjord says it all..."everybody wins..." With Trey Burke staying, he will be playing with more talented new teammates for 2012-13. I don't think he will need to be on the court for near 40 minutes as he was this past season. Glad the rumor mill turned out wrong. Good luck to Trey and GO BLUE!!
Tailgate Jim
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
Trey - 20 years from now you will look back and to yourself "what a smart decision I made way back then". College was the fastest 4 years of my life...and it will be for you too.
rightmind250
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
Looks like beeline wasted a schollie on that goofy looking point guard.
81wolverine
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 11:25 p.m.
Exactly how closely do you follow Michigan basketball? Did you notice that Stu Douglass and Carlton Brundidge are both leaving and we have no backup PG's??? Plus, what IF Trey Burke went pro? Would you be criticizing Beilein for not having a Plan B if Spike Albrecht (FYI he's not a "goofy looking point guard") had not signed? C'mon!
mookienation
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 9:25 p.m.
Why? We needed to replace Brundidge.
unclemercy
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
smart kid. go blue.
15crown00
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
Well he has a brain after all
vi4mi4
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
Yay Trey.. ..your nba dream will come true..good to have you at M at least one more year.. Go Blue! v
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
The responsibility of leading a team that will be expected to challenge for a national title will do him wonders. I'm glad to see him return. He has something I think Darius Morris did not.
Scosto
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
One of these days the Freep will actually get out in front of everybody and be right. Today is not that day.
fjord
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
Everyone wins with this decision ... especially young Mr. Burke, who, by staying at least one more year at the college level, will improve his NBA prospects considerably — not to mention his after-basketball career prospects. Glad to have you back, Trey. Next season should be fun.
RWBill
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
Great decision for him and for Michigan.
burton163
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
Wow! Great news! Great decision, Trey! BTW, I'm the moron that said he was gone for sure... Anyone got a recipe for deep-fried crow???
Blue Marker
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
Kudos for the man-up!
elhead
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.
Whew!
ArthGuinness
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.
Sounds great! From this distance, it seems like he made the right decision. I'm glad to have him back - I think he'll have a better overall future, regardless of whether he eventually plays in the NBA or not. Now as for those in the media who reported incorrectly ...
bobd
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.
Really no big surprise, he is a good college player, but a marginal 2nd rounder in draft if at all this year. Maybe in a couple more he will be ready if he improves on this year each year.
Ross
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
Whoo-hoo! Thanks, Trey!
Forever27
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.
These guys will be dangerous next season.
Forever27
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
@bigtenknight, I'm assuming that your handle refers to the Chair Thrower himself. Michigan was a good team this year, the faceplanted in the Dance, but that doesn't take away from the fact that they, not IU, were Big Ten Champs.
bigtenknight
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
Yes...really dangerous. Hopefully they can actually win a game in the Big Dance next year. How many years has it been since a Sweet 16? You're right...dangerous. (rolls eyes)