The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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"The kid is tough as nails, very smart, knows the game and is very reliable," Novak said. "That's what you need out of your leader — some- one who is consistent, not going to be emotional and going up and down all the time; you will always look at him and say, 'He really knows what's going on.' "I think that's what they've got with him." Even Novak had to work extra hard to convince Beilein, though, that Albrecht was Big Ten material. "It's kind of funny … on my of- ficial visit, he was recruiting me and real hesitant, as were most schools," Albrecht recalled. "As he was about to offer me a scholarship he said, 'You know what … you're either going to get me fired or make me look like a genius.' "I was just like, 'I hope I don't get you fired.'" A TASTE OF ADVERSITY Beilein knew from the ear- liest practices there was no chance of the gamble go- ing wrong. He'd chuckle every time Albrecht was brought up in a press con- ference — an "I don't know how he does it, but he does" laugh in comparing the young- ster 's uncanny ability to that of other less-gifted athletes who still excelled, including Boston Celtics great Larry Bird. Fans saw what he meant in Al- brecht's first action in a Michigan uniform. The freshman started in place of suspended point guard Trey Burke and notched 16 points and six assists in 30 minutes, go- ing 3 of 6 from three-point range in an 83-47 exhibition win over Northern Michigan. A fan favorite was born. F o r t w o y e a r s , h e served as one of the Wol- verines' most valuable back- The 5-11 native of Crown Point, Ind., has always had to prove doubters wrong and will have to once again after a pair of offseason hip sur- geries. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN