The Michigan Wolverines honored one of the most decorated players in program history on Friday night, as Trey Burke’s jersey was raised to the rafters at Crisler Center.
Burke was recognized as the consensus 2013 National Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year, and now he’s just the sixth former Michigan men’s basketball player to have his jersey honored.
“I don’t really know how to put this into words. I’m filled with joy to be able to be honored at such a great university,” Burke told the media. “It just brings back all the memories during my two years here. To be able to come back, get my jersey put into the rafters, I can’t sit up here and say I never imagined it because I don’t think you can do anything you don’t imagine.”
Burke’s illustrious career at Michigan was filled with iconic plays, from an unforgettable last-second game-tying shot to force overtime in a thrilling win over Kansas in the Sweet Sixteen, to a game-clinching steal and score to defeat Michigan State in the final minute, a clutch block to beat Ohio State, and a remarkable run to the 2013 National Championship Game.
Burke reminisced on his famous last-second shot in the win over Kansas.
“I just blacked out. I knew I had to somehow create space to get my shot off. I knew if I had a shot, it’s going to go in,” Burke said. “I shot that shot with confidence. I encourage every kid out there in those moments to stay in that moment and enjoy it. I’m grateful I hit that shot, but there’s just so much that went into me making that shot than it just going in.”
After winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2012, Burke returned for his sophomore year with hopes of making history. He did just that, as he broke the school’s single-season assist record, became the first player in program history to sweep the National Player of the Year honors, and guided the Wolverines to the Final Four for the first time in 20 years.
Burke was leaning towards declaring for the NBA Draft before opting to come back for his sophomore season.
“I needed to reconsider because I was out the door. It was always my dream to play in the NBA, just like any other kid,” Burke said. “I started learning more of the business side of it and I made one of, if not the best decision in my life to come back for my second year. We made some magical memories. We fell a little short but I still think we’re champions.”
From a four-star recruit from Columbus, Ohio to developing into the best player in the country in Ann Arbor, his college career will never be forgotten. Burke was truly one of the greatest players in school history and his jersey will be immortalized forever alongside fellow Michigan legends Cazzie Russell, Rudy Tomjanovich, Phil Hubbard, Glen Rice and Bill Buntin.
Burke was later asked what he wants fans to remember most when they see his jersey hang in the rafters.
“I want them to think about not only the basketball player, but the person and family man that I am,” Burke said. “I had to really work hard for it. I want them to think about the mindset that I carried every day on that court. I want them to think about me as a winner, as someone who really helped change and turn this program back around to relevance.”
