Here's another reason why the ice age for University of Michigan men's basketball might be melting: Trey Burke.
The 6-foot-1 senior lead guard, who averaged 23.9 points during the regular season for Columbus Northland High, was named Mr. Basketball in Ohio. Burke signed a letter of intent with Michigan in November.
Burke follows the likes of Jared Sullinger, William Buford, Jon Diebler, O.J. Mayo and LeBron James as recent Mr. Basketball winners in the Buckeye State.
Ohio's Mr. Basketball doesn't have to be a senior.
Sullinger won the award as a junior and senior, and then starred at Ohio State in the 2010-11 season.
Mayo won it twice, in 2005 and 2006, before moving on to Southern Cal.
James was a three-time winner, in 2001, 2002 and 2003, before he turned professional.
Michigan coach John Beilein called Burke a "proven winner and floor general" when Burke signed in November.
It will be interesting to see how Burke fits in with the Wolverines, who won an NCAA tournament game in March before being eliminated by Duke.
Burke's importance to U-M could be heightened if sophomore point guard Darius Morris, who is surveying NBA teams' interest, does turn pro.
Burke's signing with Michigan interrupts a trend of Ohio Mr. Basketball winners going to Ohio State.
Sullinger, Buford and Diebler were the three previous winners, over the last four years; all signed with the Buckeyes.