Manny Harris Speaks
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.
October 26th, 2010 at 12:02 AM ^
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.
October 26th, 2010 at 12:12 AM ^
The NBA has more than one hoop at each end now? Damn, that David Stern sure is an innovator!
October 26th, 2010 at 10:00 AM ^
I hope he plays Manny years as well.
October 26th, 2010 at 1:06 AM ^
But I'll always be a little bitter that he underachieved at M and didn't stay for his senior season. Congrats to him making that roster wonder how much he'll suit up though......and yes he accomplished some things in Ann Arbor but let's be real he was very inconsistent at times.
October 26th, 2010 at 2:25 AM ^
You're "bitter he underachieved"? That sounds as if you think he was ACTIVELY playing under his potential and then when he went undrafted he was all like "Now I'm exactly where I want to be!"
October 26th, 2010 at 12:08 PM ^
Not as if I was going off on him. I said I love Manny. And yes he underachieved. But I understand it's hard for people to hear the truth.
October 26th, 2010 at 8:26 AM ^
whoa, horsey. You living in his shoes? You know all the variables?
I suppose it's in the nature of fandom to just dump all of your own poopoo on players, but--man. . . When you feel like you're living up to your own and everyone else's expectations for YOU, then get back to us.
October 26th, 2010 at 8:28 AM ^
- 10th all time leading scorer at Michigan
- 9th all time in assists
- 7th all time in steals
- 30th all time in rebounds (and remember that he is a guard)
I wish he would have stayed too, but there's no need to knock the guy. He was a great player at Michigan.
Of course he was inconsisent at times. That's college basketball. Even the best players are still developing.
October 26th, 2010 at 1:14 AM ^
I hope he continues to exceed expectations in the NBA.
October 26th, 2010 at 7:18 AM ^
I didn't think I would see the day so soon when it was okay to root for the Cleveland Cavaliers again. They're probably not going to be a very good team, but they're 1000% less annoying without LeBron and have a Michigan man that we all want to see do well.
October 26th, 2010 at 7:59 AM ^
on my pro teams! Go Blue, Go Manny, and Go Cavs!
October 26th, 2010 at 9:39 AM ^
Look for Manny to be a big surprise this yr, hes real fast and will be able to get to the basket with ease and finish as long as he gets the playing time to do so...
October 26th, 2010 at 9:57 AM ^
manny looks a LOT bigger and has gotten rid of the t-shirt under the jersey.
October 26th, 2010 at 10:41 AM ^
I agree, Manny will thrive in the NBA similar to Jamal Crawford. More up-and-down, more emphasis on offense, more slashing and more open space to work from.
October 26th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
Get his degree in the 3 years? I think its a shame when these kids go to top academic schools and then end up degree-less. Not complaining that hes gone just saying.
October 26th, 2010 at 2:54 PM ^
come back and get a degree. That's something that many people forget.
October 26th, 2010 at 12:15 PM ^
It really is exciting to watch former players in the pros. I hope we see more of this.
October 26th, 2010 at 1:53 PM ^
-official mgostance.
October 26th, 2010 at 9:46 PM ^
What if he had poured himself into it while at Michigan... He was great, and I do think he has a ton of potential still to tap into.
I am happy that he is following through on his decision and committing himself like he has. I really didn't think he would make it after going undrafted...
LeBron who?