John Beilein lifts transfer restrictions on Spike Albrecht, Ricky Doyle
Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.
Michigan coach John Beilein has lifted all transfer restrictions on Spike Albrecht and Ricky Doyle, he announced in a statement on Friday.
Beilein said as recently as Thursday that Albrecht had “many options’ to choose from besides Michigan’s 13 Big Ten opponents. Albrecht said Beilein planned to block his transfer to any Big Ten school or any school Michigan would play next season, according to the Detroit Free Press.
In a sudden reversal, Beilein will now allow his former MVP and Doyle take their pick of programs.
• Rockets’ Jason Terry interviews for UAB head coaching job
“After initially granting a transfer release for Ricky and a fifth-year graduate transfer for Spike consistent with the established norms regarding intraconference transfers (in the Big Ten), I am now removing all restrictions regarding their recruitment by other universities,” Beilein said in the statement.
Albrecht announced on Monday that he had been granted his release from Michigan and would transfer to play a fifth year with another program. Doyle, a sophomore, plans to transfer with two remaining seasons of eligibility.
Albrecht played in just nine games in the 2015–16 season as he continued his recovery from two off-season hip surgeries, but averaged 3.9 points and 2.0 assists in 116 career games. Doyle averaged 4.9 points and 2.5 rebounds in 67 games at Michigan.
