Traylor knows right time to go

And Robert Traylor - despite his stated hesitations - followed through as expected.

"I'm going to leave college early to enter the 1998 NBA Draft," Traylor said, unflinching in his resolve.

To a casual observer - and in the midst of 75-degree March temperatures, it was assuredly casual - Traylor's announcement beckons sadness.

After all, Michigan is losing its best player and unquestioned emotional leader.

Mark Snyder Mark My Words

It is two-time captain Traylor who leads the cheers and serves up the monster dunks.

It is Michigan MVP Traylor who slaps teammates on the butt after exciting plays, and waves the towel to incite the Crisler crowd.

It is Traylor whose jersey spurs clothing sales for local merchants.

It was Traylor.

But as much as it hurts, he must be applauded for his decision.

Look how far he has come in just three years.

Traylor weighs significantly less than he did when he arrived and is obviously more agile. Over the course of three seasons, he has developed a soft jump shot and moves with the quickest feet this side of Baryshnikov.

When he came to Michigan, he was a project, a large man who could dunk over anyone.

Now, his aunt Lydia Johnson is challenging that claim.

"She said, 'I bet I can name three guys in the NBA you can't dunk on,'" said Traylor, referring to Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutumbo. "But I don't care."

And therein lies Traylor's greatest strength - aside from his massive arms. The man has unimaginable confidence and lets nothing stand in his way.

I discovered this the hard way as the 300-pounder hurdled me on his way to hug his grandmother after the Big Ten Tournament.

His family remains at the heart of his decision and will continue to play a role as the NBA experience develops.

An entourage of family members - 13 people of differing ages, sizes and surnames - joined Traylor at the front table as a show of support and a demonstration of the unity of his extended family.

But while Traylor's eight-year-old brother, Walter Glover, shied away from the television lights, the former Michigan man embraced the spotlight and discussed how obstacles wouldn't hinder his cause.

"When you have a chance to achieve a goal, you can't let roadblocks stand in your way," Traylor said.

And he's speaking from experience.

The allegations, incidents and accidents of his career read like a laundry list of emotional baggage - all of which he has overcome.

Compared to that, the pros must be the easy life.

Just ask Maurice Taylor.

- Mark Snyder can be reached via e-mail at msnyder@umich.edu

04-01-98