Traylor calls press conference

Last spring, the Detroit media swarmed Murray-Wright High School, anticipating a "big announcement." But the only big thing at the Detroit high school on that day was a void, as the expected guest of honor - Robert Traylor - cancelled the gathering just hours before it was to begin.

Traylor„

The anticipation from that day will be realized tomorrow as Robert Traylor - probably Michigan's best player and definitely its biggest - will speak to the media at a 2 p.m. press conference, possibly to announce his eligibility for the NBA Draft.

While school officials refused to discuss the motivation for the conference, they were eager to speak about their most famous alum.

"We're hoping one of our graduates will be here," said Murray-Wright principal Sally Polk, who later identified Traylor as the graduate in question. "He wants to come home."

While the impending press conference hints at Traylor's departure, Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe said last Friday at a press conference that Traylor was "50/50" with regard to his decision. If the junior center does depart, his 6-foot-9, 300-pound presence in the middle will be sorely missed. Traylor, the Big Ten Tournament's most valuable player, has served as Michigan's co-captain for two seasons.

03-26-98