Michigan Basketball: Trey Burke is back for more

Trey Burke is coming back for his sophomore season with the Michigan Wolverines. Rumors had been swirling for weeks regarding the possible departure of the standout freshman point guard.

Trey Burke

While most ‘experts’ had Burke leaving, he remains True Blue.

Burke will lead a rotation that includes juniors Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Jordan Morgan, as well as returning players such as Jon Horford, Matt Vogrich, and Blake McLimans. Incoming players Glenn Robinson III, Nik Stauskas, and Mitch McGary will add talented depth to an improving Michigan team.

Burke will have a true backup point guard this year as well thanks to the recent commitment from Spike Albrecht.

Burke led Michigan as a freshman with 14.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, and 4.6 apg.

The Wolverines finished the regular season 24-9, their best mark in the John Beilein era. A first round upset by 13-seed Ohio left a sour taste throughout Wolverine Nation that Burke is back to erase.

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The official press release follows.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – University of Michigan men’s basketball freshman guard Trey Burke (Columbus, Ohio/Northland HS) announced today (Monday, April 9) that he will continue his collegiate playing career with the Wolverine basketball program.

“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,” said Burke. “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.

“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.”

“We tried to provide Trey and his family with the best information possible and as much time as possible to make an informed decision,” said U-M head coach John Beilein. “We wanted him to think this through carefully so he was 100 percent certain of what he wanted to do moving forward.

“We loved coaching Trey this season. 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.”

Recently named U-M’s first Associated Press All-America honorable mention since 1998, Burke averaged 14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists in his first season. He helped the Wolverines to a 24-10 record, a share of the Big Ten regular season title and a second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. His 156 assists broke U-M’s 27-year-old record for freshman assists in a single season, previously held by U-M legend Gary Grant (140, 1984-85).

Burke was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the media, All-Big Ten second team from coaches and media and a unanimous selection to the conference all-freshman team. Throughout the season, Burke was named the Big Ten Player of the Week once and the Big Ten Freshman of the Week seven times.

He has also garnered a spot on the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District VII second team and U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) All-District V Team.

You can follow Rob and I on Twitter @isportsJoe and @isportsRob