Manny Announcement - 11AM Monday
Michigan's Media Relations department just sent through the e-mail. Manny and John Beilein will talk to the press at 11AM tomorrow.
Speculation is that he's going pro, with a number of local media citing sources to that effect. I'll live-tweet the presser.
Will be interesting to see how they present this - especially want to see what Beilein has to say and what his demeanor is.
portend any goodness (i.e. "I'm going to try my hand at the camps, but if I'm not going to get drafted, I'll be back to help Coach get back to the tourney")? Or is this a Pete Caroll / Matt Sanchez sitch-ee-ation?
The big question is whether or not he signs with an agent. Not signing with one is no guarantee he might return, but it leaves open the possibility. Signing with one makes it definitive, immediately.
I know this idea has been tossed around quite a bit, but what does everyone think about our chances of landing Zeigler if Manny leaves? I know Zeigler has said that he would actually prefer if Manny stayed, but I'm sure there must be some part of him that would prefer to be the go-to-guy on this team. Maybe he doesn't even want to come here at all. I don't know...just curious to see what others think about this.
Trey is very serious about Michigan. My (excellent) sources say things look good for Trey. I wish it were a lock, but I'll take "good".
this is a presser to announce he is staying. Usually these guys won't do that, but I'm holding out hope because of the Peyton Manning press conference.
Braylon and Anthony Thomas did that as well. Did Graham also?
I just don't see them setting up this entire press conference just for Manny to say "I'm coming back for my senior year". My prediction (and also what I think is the best idea for Manny) is he declares for the draft but does not hire an agent.
The crazy thing to me about this is that I really don't think Manny had the kind of season, nor does he have the kind of draft stock, to warrant the full-on "look at me turning pro" press conference with head coach and all. Seems to me this should be a press release kind of thing, not a presser.
Wish him luck and everything, but calling a press conference to turn pro seems a bit much.
He will make an announcement to this effect: "OH HAI, I BE BACK", and a celebratory luau will ensue with Cronin in a grass skirt doing face painting, Beilein passing out maize and blue leis, etc.
Never know.
I just hope he doesn't pull a Pete Carroll tomorrow.