Tom Wywrot of U-M Athletics Department Media Relations provides this Q&A with Manny Harris at MGoBLue.com. Harris, who made the Cleveland Cavaliers roster as an undrafted free agent provides some interesting insights into his mindset. Here are the questions and a few of his answers. See the rest at the link.
"The whole process, I knew it was going to be a grind. I knew that in my circumstances, I'd have to open some eyes. My whole mindset was to work hard regardless of what happened. You have to work hard until you get there. That means spending extra time in the gym, extra time running, doing whatever you can until you make it. I still don't feel like I've made it yet. I am one step closer to my dream, though. I'm doing pretty well."
- What's the most difficult part about adapting your game from college to pro?
- How did you feel when you learned you made the team?
- Are there any similarities to Coach Scott's offensive scheme and Coach Beilein's here at Michigan?
- What advice would you share with future players about the mindset it takes to make an NBA roster?
- A few of your former teammates are still here at Michigan preparing for the season, any advice to those guys?
- Looking back on your decision to enter the draft, what type of mindset did you have to reach your goals?
- Did you use the fact that you weren't selected in the draft as extra motivation to make this team?
"Definitely, I felt like I was a guy who was better than some of the guys that were taken in the draft. But at the same time, I don't make those decisions. I knew I'd have to continue to work hard and use that as my motivation."
- What about the Cavaliers was attractive?
- What number will you be wearing?
- How did your experiences as a Wolverine under John Beilein prepare you for the Cavs experience?
"I wouldn't say it prepared me for the Cavaliers, but it prepared me for anything I would have done after Michigan. It was a great experience, even if I wasn't still playing basketball. The University of Michigan as a whole developed me as a person. I can't really explain it, but it made me a better man."
- Now that you are part of the team, what are the general feelings surrounding the Cavaliers post-LeBron James?
- What does making it this far mean to you?
"I'll know the answer to that question once I establish longevity in this league. It feels good right now, but at the same time, I know anything can happen. It's that sense of urgency. I haven't done anything yet. I just have to continue to do things and as I have success in this league, it will hit me more. I'm just going to continue to get better, work as hard as I can and let everything pan out."
It sure does appear that Manny has his head screwed on straight. Best of luck to him.
I wish the best of luck to him and hopefully he'll have a long career in the NBA.
Manny will end up being a better pro than a college player IMO and would do great with the NBA rule that would allow him to get to the hoops easily.