"Don't talk to me about aesthetics or tradition. Talk to me about what sells and what's good right now. And what the American people like is to think that the underdog still has a chance." The late George Steinbrenner was once quoted as saying that, obviously talking about this year's Cleveland Cavaliers, and more specifically Manny Harris as a training camp invitee.
You might have several questions, all of which clearly demonstrate your lack of Association-related expertise. Who exactly is Manny Harris, why are we talking about him, and what does this have to do with the Cavaliers? I would like to reiterate, that all of the aforementioned inquiries clearly demonstrate your lack of basketball knowledge.
Manny Harris was a legendary college basketball player celebrated for his memorable offensive-juggernaut status as a member of the Michigan Wolverines. Manny was such a stud that he chose to declare himself for the 2010 NBA draft, after a promising junior campaign. There were some who would question this decision, declaring him a raw product and unworthy of a draft at any position. Really? Sadly, the heroic Wolverine did just that, going undrafted in an unfathomable shock to his ego and basketball aptitude.
Why would every team in the Association pass up the opportunity to draft who was essentially Clark Kent disguised in a Maize and Blue uniform? I'll throw you some statistics; Mull over each of them in amazement as we consider the utter ignorance of the front office executives who chose to waste their draft picks elsewhere. Now we're all aware of the national powerhouse Redford High School in Detroit, so I won't bother explaining their mascot is affectionally known as a "Huskie." Tell me more you say?
In High School alone, Manny became the first player to start for three consecutive Detroit Public School League championship teams since the feat had been accomplished by the sensational Jalen Rose. In a single game, Harris recorded 52 points and 15 rebounds, a mere 48 shy of the mark Dajuan Wagner dropped during High School in New Jersey. Okay, so he had one good game.. so what? Let's also remember in that same season, Manny would go on to average 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. I'll also have you remember I selected him in my HS Detroit League fantasy team that same year. Talk about a steal in the 2nd round.
It would make sense then that Manny would be named 2007's Mr. Basketball in the great state of Michigan. He received offers from Tennessee, UCLA, and Indiana just to name a few.. but he was always going to be a Wolverine. He would not disappoint, and came into his freshman year ready to make the impact that was clearly expected of him. He led Michigan in scoring with 16 points per game, set the record for free throws made in a season as a Wolverine, and also took home Big 10 Player of the Week honors.
As a result of his efforts, the next year Manny was named a Big 10 preseason All-First team player. Really? They give out preseason All-1st team player awards? Obviously, this award is coveted amongst the college ranks as it marks a significant achievement yet to occur. Robbie Hummel was named Preseason Big 10 player of the year. In a shocking revelation, some have pointed out that being named a Preseason All Big 10 nominee doesn't necessary translate to the actual season. Fascinating, I know. In both 2005 and 2007, only 2 players on the Preseason team would actually make the Regular season All Big 10 team. I love those kinds of awards, (Preseason "Blogger of the Year") I'll take two please.
Manny actually did hold on to that award however, and impressed during his sophmore campaign. So much so, that he became widely regarded as the top rated player in the Big 10. Manny was content with garnering the recognition he deserved, and felt the need to open the season with a Triple Double just to confirm the hype. Try to forget that came against Division II Northern Michigan, that's beside the point.
There are several prominent theories, of which few are considered logical or even sensible, as to why Manny eventually went undrafted in this year's NBA Draft. For starters, Manny has dealt with a serious injury issue regarding his ankle. Apparently such a minor flaw can prove to be too big of a concern for the NBA scouts and talent development. I still question their evaluation. Depending on who you ask, Manny was fueled with rage and decided to unleash his anger in a domination of the NBA summer league with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He would only see limited action however, due to the same nagging ankle injury and additionally he developed an issue with his hamstring.
The Cavaliers made the obvious move to allow Manny to try out with the team during this year's training camp, which began yesterday. I believe I've convinced myself he deserves an opportunity to show what he can do, although he's what George Steinbrenner would consider "an Underdog."
Byron Scott will likely fall in love with Manny's ability to run in an uptempo system, his smooth jumper, and offense-first mentality. However, with Ramon Sessions, Mo Williams, and Daniel Gibson already fighting for playing time, there seems to be a log-jam at the guard position and Harris is likely the odd man out. But my question still stands. Will Manny Harris lead the Cavaliers to the promised land? It's a strong possibilty. That is, if he makes the team.
Manny Harris was a legendary college basketball player celebrated for his memorable offensive-juggernaut status as a member of the Michigan Wolverines. Manny was such a stud that he chose to declare himself for the 2010 NBA draft, after a promising junior campaign. There were some who would question this decision, declaring him a raw product and unworthy of a draft at any position. Really? Sadly, the heroic Wolverine did just that, going undrafted in an unfathomable shock to his ego and basketball aptitude.
Why would every team in the Association pass up the opportunity to draft who was essentially Clark Kent disguised in a Maize and Blue uniform? I'll throw you some statistics; Mull over each of them in amazement as we consider the utter ignorance of the front office executives who chose to waste their draft picks elsewhere. Now we're all aware of the national powerhouse Redford High School in Detroit, so I won't bother explaining their mascot is affectionally known as a "Huskie." Tell me more you say?
In High School alone, Manny became the first player to start for three consecutive Detroit Public School League championship teams since the feat had been accomplished by the sensational Jalen Rose. In a single game, Harris recorded 52 points and 15 rebounds, a mere 48 shy of the mark Dajuan Wagner dropped during High School in New Jersey. Okay, so he had one good game.. so what? Let's also remember in that same season, Manny would go on to average 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. I'll also have you remember I selected him in my HS Detroit League fantasy team that same year. Talk about a steal in the 2nd round.
As a result of his efforts, the next year Manny was named a Big 10 preseason All-First team player. Really? They give out preseason All-1st team player awards? Obviously, this award is coveted amongst the college ranks as it marks a significant achievement yet to occur. Robbie Hummel was named Preseason Big 10 player of the year. In a shocking revelation, some have pointed out that being named a Preseason All Big 10 nominee doesn't necessary translate to the actual season. Fascinating, I know. In both 2005 and 2007, only 2 players on the Preseason team would actually make the Regular season All Big 10 team. I love those kinds of awards, (Preseason "Blogger of the Year") I'll take two please.
Manny actually did hold on to that award however, and impressed during his sophmore campaign. So much so, that he became widely regarded as the top rated player in the Big 10. Manny was content with garnering the recognition he deserved, and felt the need to open the season with a Triple Double just to confirm the hype. Try to forget that came against Division II Northern Michigan, that's beside the point.
The Cavaliers made the obvious move to allow Manny to try out with the team during this year's training camp, which began yesterday. I believe I've convinced myself he deserves an opportunity to show what he can do, although he's what George Steinbrenner would consider "an Underdog."
Byron Scott will likely fall in love with Manny's ability to run in an uptempo system, his smooth jumper, and offense-first mentality. However, with Ramon Sessions, Mo Williams, and Daniel Gibson already fighting for playing time, there seems to be a log-jam at the guard position and Harris is likely the odd man out. But my question still stands. Will Manny Harris lead the Cavaliers to the promised land? It's a strong possibilty. That is, if he makes the team.
In less than a few days the Cavaliers will open training camp without former leader LeBron James. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers will also open training camp without current leader, Mo Williams.