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Big Ten: 5 Transfers Making An Immediate Impact In 2016-17

By Casey Pazzalia

Nov 25, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers guard Akeem Springs (0) dribbles in the first half against the Southern Illinois Salukis guard Leo Vincent (5) at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers guard Akeem Springs (0) dribbles in the first half against the Southern Illinois Salukis guard Leo Vincent (5) at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Phil Booth (5) drives past Purdue Boilermakers guard Spike Albrecht (55) in the first half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Phil Booth (5) drives past Purdue Boilermakers guard Spike Albrecht (55) in the first half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Spike Albrecht, Purdue (from Michigan)

The most recognizable of all transfers this year, Spike Albrecht is a cult hero in the Big Ten. College basketball fans know him from his out-of-nowhere performance in the 2013 NCAA national championship game.

Albrecht scored 17 points in the first half after only scoring 67 points in his first 38 games. The 5-foot-11 guard turned into an overnight celebrity at Michigan and played major minutes in his following two seasons.

In his final season with the Wolverines, Albrecht was limited to only nine games before being sidelined with a hip injury. This hardship paved the way for a fifth season of eligiblity for Albrecht.

The only problem was that Michigan had planned on his graduation and didn’t have his scholarship available for 2016-17.

Since Albrecht had finished his undergraduate degree at Michigan, he was able to play right away as a graduate transfer. Normally when a player transfers, they’re not allowed to go to a conference rival.

In Albrecht’s case, Michigan allowed him to choose any team he wanted, even Big Ten-rival Purdue.

So far this season, he has provided veteran leadership for an already loaded Boilermakers team. Coming off the bench, he has played in seven games and is averaging more than15 minutes of floor time per game.

The fifth-year senior is currently sidelined with a back issue, but hopes to return within the next two weeks.

No.18 Purdue will play its first conference game Dec. 28 at home against Iowa.