Traylor to leave school for NBA

DETROIT - In a decision that surprised almost nobody, Michigan junior Robert Traylor announced on Friday that he will leave school early to enter the NBA Draft.

At a press conference held at Detroit Murray-Wright High School, from which Traylor graduated in 1995, Traylor, accompanied by family and friends, made official what many suspected was in the works for months.

MARGARET MYERS/Daily After almost turning pro a year ago, Michigan center Robert Traylor announced on Friday that he would forego his final year of eligibility and instead opt for the NBA.

"Basketball at the University of Michigan has been great for me," Traylor said. "It's been a lot of fun for me and my family. But my family has always been first and foremost in my life, and right now, this is the best decision I can make for the interests of my entire family."

Traylor had hinted in recent weeks that he would consider returning for his senior season only if Brian Ellerbe's status were upgraded from interim to permanent coach. On Friday, Mar. 20, Ellerbe was named Michigan's permanent coach by Athletic Director Tom Goss.

"The only way I would've returned to the University of Michigan was if coach Ellerbe was the coach," Traylor said. "I didn't want to play for three coaches in four years.

"But he backed this decision a hundred percent. He just told me to go out and do my best, and represent the University in the best way possible. And that's what I plan to do."

Traylor introduced most of his 13-person entourage, which included his grandmother, Jessie Mae Carter - a fixture at Michigan basketball games the past couple of years - and other relatives and friends.

He became emotional and was moved to tears when mentioning his mother, who was unable to attend. Former Michigan teammate Louis Bullock, who one day earlier had announced he would return for his own senior season, was also in attendance, as were numerous Murray-Wright students and faculty.

MARGARET MYERS/Daily Michigan's Robert "Tractor" Traylor ended speculation Friday when he announced he would declare himself eligible for the NBA Draft.

Traylor, who nearly opted for the professional ranks after his sophomore season, returned to lead the Wolverines to a 25-9 record during his junior year. He was a first team all-Big Ten selection, and was named most valuable player of the first-ever Big Ten Tournament, which Michigan won.

Traylor said he had not consulted an agent, nor had he given much thought to where he would be drafted, but he was excited to move on.

"I've never really been scared of anything," he said during the press conference, "but I'm standing here and I'm trembling and I'm shaking. I just never thought this would actually happen to me."

After signing with Michigan out of high school, Traylor received a great deal of criticism for suggesting that he hoped his game would improve to the point where he would be able to leave school after two years, as former Michigan center Chris Webber did. On Friday, Traylor said that was "the worst statement he has ever made."

Traylor, a Sports Management and Communication major, also said he plans to attend classes for the remainder of the semester, and that he will continue to do so until he completes his degree requirements.

03-30-98