Sports

Michigan's Trey Burke hoping to cap stellar sophomore season with national championship

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Michigan's Trey Burke shoots during practice in the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game against Syracuse, Friday, April 5, 2013, in Atlanta. Michigan plays Syracuse in a semifinal game on Saturday. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (The Associated Press)

Michigan's Trey Burke watches play during practice of the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game against Syracuse, Friday, April 5, 2013, in Atlanta. Michigan plays Syracuse in a semifinal game on Saturday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (The Associated Press)

After considering a jump to the NBA last year, Michigan's Trey Burke is making the most of another season in college.

On Thursday, he was named national player of the year by The Associated Press — the first Michigan player to win that award since 1966. Now the focus turns to Saturday night's national semifinal against Syracuse, when Burke will try to move the Wolverines one win from an NCAA title.

Burke's contributions extend beyond numbers. Although he's only a sophomore, he's one of the leaders on a team that includes three freshman starters.

At their best, the Wolverines have a balanced offense with several talented options, but when they're in a tight spot, they turn to Burke.