Sports Illustrated has added to the growing list of accolades for Trey Burke, as the venerable publication not only chose the University of Michigan point guard for its All-America first team on Tuesday, it also named him its National Player of the Year.
Joining Burke on SI's first team are Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart, Gonzaga forward Kelly Olynyk, Creighton forward Doug McDermott, and Indiana center Cody Zeller. Miami head coach Jim Larranaga earned Coach of the Year honors.
Cazzie Russell was U-M's only other National Player of the Year, so chosen in 1966. In addition to his SI laurels, Burke's distinctions include Big Ten Player of the Year and a place on the Sporting News first team, and he is a finalist for Naismith National Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden National Player of the Year, among other national awards.
Burke will have an opportunity to show the country the skills that have put him in the spotlight when he leads the Wolverines into the NCAA Tournament. U-M is seeded No. 4 in the South Region of the postseason extravaganza, and will take on No. 13-seeded South Dakota State at 7:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. CBS will televise the contest.
Keep track of the Maize and Blue during "March Madness®" on the school's official athletic website, which contains an NCAA Tournament 2013 Central page, and more information on Burke's SI awards. Also stay current with Michigan men's hoops on Facebook and Twitter.
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