CHAPEL HILL — Tyler Hansbrough did not play in the Tar Heel's 116-48 blowout over UNC-Asheville on Sunday because his left ankle — which he tweaked in his season debut, at Santa Barbara on Nov. 21 — stiffened up on the plane ride home from Maui.

It marked the fourth game of the season he was sidelined because of the ankle and/or a stress reaction in his right shin.

Coach Roy Williams said he does not know whether the senior will play Wednesday, when the Tar Heels’ play Michigan State in Detroit.

“It was stiff again today, so we decided to hold off and not go there. I have no idea – and don’t ask me on Tuesday – I have no idea if he will play Wednesday night,'' Williams said. "It depends on what happens Tuesday at practice … and Wednesday at shootaround."

THINKING OF ANOTHER BIG GUY: Williams’ thoughts were also with Kenny George, the 7 feet 7 UNC Asheville center who was recently released from a three-month stay in the hospital. George is still recovering at home in Chicago after having part of his right foot amputated as a result of an antibiotic-resistant staph infection,

"I was sad for what happened to the young man,’’ Williams said. “I think when something like that happens, you forget about basketball, and hope that things work out for him, that he can enjoy his life and go on to other things. It’s a very sad tale.”

ANOTHER POSITION: Having played several minutes at the center early in the game, UNC senior Danny Green now needs to play only one more position — point guard — to run the cycle at UNC.

"When you’re short-handed guys, not a lot of bigs, you make adjustments, play different positions, and you have to sacrifice. That’s something that w’ere used to doing,” he said.

Marcus Ginyard, who is still sidelined after foot surgery, has also played four positions for the Tar Heels — although he’s still waiting to play center.

LAWSON DOMINATING: Point guard Tyler Lawson finished with 22 points and eight assists; he now has 47 assists and only nine turnovers for the season.