Vegas Summer League Wolverines
So, I’m originally from Birmingham Al, but I have been a Michigan fan since I was 10-11 years old. That makes about 25 years. I’ve been to the Big House, I’ve attended a UM Bowl game (95 Alamo Bowl while in Basic Training ironically), but one of the last few things on my UM bucket list is to watch a basketball game in person.
I currently live in Vegas and I listen to Sports Talk radio all day. Somehow I managed to miss the LeBron Skills Challenge where Trey Burke and THJ attended. It broke my heart, so I decided to do the next best thing and hit the Vegas Summer League and look for former Wolverines. My son and I managed to track down everyone on our list except Courtney Sims. They were all very down to earth and delighted to see my UM gear. The Butterfly even called me down a couple rows and wanted to shake my hand. He also gave me a “Go Blue” as my son and I walked away.
I know most of you guys are from Michigan so crossing paths with players probably isn’t a big deal, but for a fan from Alabama it made my summer. I’ve crossed paths with seemingly two hundred Alabama/Auburn players and I’ve never been as excited as I was to see Darius Morris, Deshawn Sims, and Manny Harris. Hopefully this post wasn’t a complete waste of time, but I had to share it…
Same here if you couldn't tell from my post. Both of them loved/love Michigan and also love basketball. Also:
Darius Morris 2012 base salary: $473,604
Manny Harris 2012 base salary: $788,872
I would guess that a lot of the people who were talking shit to either one of them don't make anywhere near either one of those numbers and better yet, these guys are playing a game that they love. They are living their childhood dreams and getting paid big money. Hence, why I never really could relate with the outlash against both of them. I understand it is just selfishness though and wanting them to play for Michigan only, which is dumb.
Great post.
There's always a certain subset of any fanbase who screams bloody murder when college players leave early but don't realize the $ that the players can bring in, even on a rookie minimum salary.
Worse yet, there is always the case of Trip Welbourne, where coming back for their senior season can cost them $$$.
They always can come back for their degrees; Michigan isn't going anywhere. But there is a short window where they can make a living playing football/basketball/hockey.
FWIW I make a bit under DMo, but I had a double major at Michigan, a Masters, 4 years to get a MD, a year of internship, 3 years of residency, and a 1 year fellowship to round things out. I'm 37. DMo is what, 24?
I also make a bit under DMo. Quite a bit... :(
Manny is 22
Darius is 21
I didn't think either was making the right decision, but "turning on them" or "hating on dmo" isn't exactly the way to put it. Disagreeing with someone's decision doesn't necessarily equate to hatred or turning on anyone.
If you want to see true hatred from a former fanbase, read any column about LeBron and go to the comment fields. Read a few posts from jilted Cavs fans. That is true hatred.
After you have done that, ask yourself if you have seriously seen any real Michigan fan post anything remotely like that about Morris or Harris.
As for those who disagreed with the players leaving early, they were right. While Manny and DMo's salaries look impressive, they could both have signed a contract for over a million a year if they had waited one more year, and would have gotten a lot better treatment from their teams as higher picks.
Ultimately, most mgofans who disagreed with their decisions still wished them well. I'm sure you could dig up a few haters if you wanted to, but I certainly didn't see any of them here.
Uncommon for us fans on the west side of the state. (I'm assuming your handle means you live in Grand Rapids, as do I.) Bumping into athletes on campus is quite common. Especially considering most of them stand out, i.e. 6'6'' basketball players and 330 lb linemen.
You're welcome.
Darius Morris has been playing well averaging 16.3 PPG for the Lakers affiliate and can hopefully supplant Steve Blake this season as the backup point guard.
Manny Harris is playing for the Houston Rockets summer team and hasn't got much playing time. That team is literally building from scratch so hopefully he can get in the mix and stick on the NBA Roster.
DeShawn Sims is the reigning NBA D-League Rookie of the Year and is averaging 14 PPG & 3.5 RBS for the Suns affiliate. He most recently played for a pro-team in S. Korea.
Your son looks elated.
edit: But his glasses are awesome. If you picked those out, good job; if he picked those out, he has more style as a middle-schooler than I've ever had.
This would be a great story to remember whenever the topic of "Is it possible to be a U Michigan fan if you didn't attend the school?" or whatever is next discussed. (Of *course* it's possible!)
OP, I'm assuming your education took place elsewhere.
That is a discussion for RCMB. Only spartans care where Michigan fans went to school. They seem to think only Michigan fans look down on them. Whatever you gotta tell yourself to get up in the morning sparty.
There's an unfortunate amount of Michigan fans who do think that way unfortunately. They get negged like crazy if they make it on here, but there is a small section of people who think like that sadly
I hope I still look that young at 36 years old.
I'm happy for you and your son. I'm sure that's a day that you both will remember. Good for you guys. GO BLUE!