Hansbrough Will Be Fine

I'm a Duke basketball fan mainly because of the program Coach Krzyzewski runs.  So as hard as it was watching the Blue Devils lose to rival North Carolina last night 101-87, I have to tip my cap to the Tar Heels and hope that Duke can win on March 8th at UNC.  Particularly one player, Tyler Hansbrough, who I can honestly say I can't stand seeing beat Duke.  But after watching the game last night and thinking about all the times I've seen him play I have to say I don't think he'll be a bad NBA player.

There have been knocks against him in the last few years, with scouts projecting him to be drafted in the late first round, maybe even as late as the early second round, which may have persuaded him to stay and finish his college career.  But I have to disagree with the scouts' analysis. Hansbrough may not be the most gifted athlete, but he'll kill himself trying, which I think will make him a worthy choice.  

One of the reasons I like Duke's program is for the way Coach K gets his guys to play, never taking a play off and always hustling for the loose ball.  I think this is why I respect Hansbrough as a player.  He may not blow you away with a highlight dunk or crossover dribble, but he's always there.  Whether it's cleaning up offensive rebounds for put-backs or diving for loose balls, Hansbrough always seems to be involved.  I think it's his heart and hustle that has him leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring (21.8 points per game).  

I think at 6'8", with an NBA ready build, Hansbrough will be fine at the next level.  Yeah, he can't really create his own shot, and he admittedly has holes in his defense (Sports Illustrated 2/9/09), but I think what he lacks in those areas he makes up for with hustle and determination.  In the NBA, there are plenty of big bodies who can't create their own shot, and even more players who can't play defense.  But there are not many players in the NBA who I see play with the fire and passion Hansbrough has exhibited at the college level.  

As so many NBA teams have proved in the past, you don't need to have a roster full of superstars to win.  You need glue guys.  Guys who are willing to lay out for loose balls and fight off elbows under the basket.  If he brings his hard work and toughness, I think Hansbrough will be a perfect glue guy and a great teammate in the NBA.

Now, I hope he plays terrible on March 8th.