He's back.
North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough, who has missed more than three weeks because of a stress reaction in his right shin started at Santa Barbara tonight.
No. 1 UNC is 2-0 without the reigning National Player of the Year, but his return should be a boost for a team that has suffered a massive injury bug this season.
Small forward Marcus Ginyard remains on the bench after foot surgery, and the latest to join the walking wounded is freshman Tyler Zeller, who broke his left wrist on Tuesday and is likely out for the rest of the season.
Zeller had surgery Wednesday, but flew to California on Friday to join his team — which will also play in the Maui Invitational next week.
Hansbrough now re-starts his countdown for breaking Phil Ford's school record for scoring. The senior needs 123 points.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
