Would anyone be surprised if Charlotte took Tyler Hansbrough with the 12th pick in the NBA Draft?
Sure, that's higher than most projections for the ACC's career leading scorer, and the Bobcats have other needs, but we're talking about the Tar Cats (or is it Bob Heels?).
Even before dyed-in-the-wool baby blues Larry Brown and Michael Jordan became the floundering Bobcats' braintrust, Charlotte had a yen for Heels and certainly had no problem overvaluing them (Sean May at 13 anyone?).
So Psycho T's visit to Charlotte is par for the course.
What is surprising is Hansbrough's latent surliness with the draft process. At the combine, he basically told teams, via Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer, to grab some film because his workouts would be limited.
On Wednesday, Hansbrough bristled at the "hard worker" label.
Easy, Big Fella. The draft process is designed to expose faults. For whatever reason, NBA teams are more interested in what you can do than what you have done.
And being a hard worker is not an insult. But let's not get carried away with the "I've expanded my game" rhetoric.
Hansbrough's a fantastic free-throw shooter, can rebound and run the floor. But he's not going to be Kevin Garnett — a power forward who can face the basket and shoot and block shots. Be who you are, T, and that's going to be enough for a long, successful career.
Comments
Well, we already know #2s
Thu, 07/09/2009 - 02:10 — wwilliam123Well, we already know #2s first name Jack. Judging by his idiotic comments, his last name must be A--! This is college basketball at its best tonight. Although, it will be diminished as Ty Lawson will probably not play because of the high ankle sprain. Even if he does play, online marketing it will be limited. Sort of like a Ferrari running on a run flat spare tire..hosting..Anyway, will still be an ACC prelude to the NCAA championship. Tarheels Baby....dedicated server. "Commish"
tar holes
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 14:18 — bluecati stole the name from trickydick,good one tricky,hansdownwill never make it in the pros, because he has the worst case of white mans disease that i have seen, he better develop a taste for rubber, because when they get thru slamming that ball down his throat, because he cant jump he will be done.!!!!!!!! go duke!!!!!!!!
tar holes
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 14:17 — bluecati stole the name from trickydick,good one tricky,hansdownwill never make it in the pros, because he has the worst case of white mans disease that i have seen, he better develop a taste for rubber, because when they get thru slamming that ball down his throat, because he cant jump he will be done.!!!!!!!! go duke!!!!!!!!
unc blue glasses
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 17:34 — bluecatgvillegatr, i know u have missed me , so i just want to remind u that tyler will never make it in the nba, all he is good at is the flop, and i dont think the refs in the nba will protect him like they did in the acc. go duke!!!!!!!!!!!!
2nd Rounder
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 22:01 — lil576Not a lot of need for 6'8" power forwards who can't jump or guard NBA big men. Nice college run and maybe a few years in the league, but that's about it.
hhhmmm
Sun, 06/14/2009 - 18:36 — gvillegatrtell me what Oklahoma's Blake Griffin will do considering his wing span is less than Hansbrough and he is not as tall as Hansbrough? enquiring minds want to know.
nihgt in and night out, Tyler will be better than Griffin. Griffin doesn't mesure up for anyone.
not even close
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 14:28 — bluecatgvillegator,u have exposed yourself as the most stupid bb fan on earth, to even use hansdowns name in the same breath with griffin, u are going to loose all of your creditbility. go duke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rbl1944
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 20:30 — rbl1944Hansbrough's critics incessantly whine that he won't do well in the pros. He has competed for four years against plenty of guys already in the pros or who will be there soon. Name one who outplayed him in a head to head matchup. The only opposing player who got more ink from a single game was Blake Griffen, and that wasn't a head to head matchup. Hansbrough got two quick fouls in that game - I was there - but still took Taylor Griffen out of the game defensively, limiting him to seven points.
I think Hansbrough will do just fine in the pros. His stock was undervalued coming out of high school, just as it is now. Josh McRoberts was rated a better college prospect four years ago, but at this point I doubt even McRoberts' mother would try to make the claim he is better than Tyler.
first of all
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 17:06 — gvillegatrSean May was not over valued at #13. He just hasn't been worth a hoot in the NBA b/c of nagging injuries. there is a difference Tar Heel Hater.
Suck it up, Tyler
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 14:18 — JPDOhioThe record books are filled with great college players who didn't make it in the pros. Your college days are over and the scouts have seen you play in college a million times. So, if you are serious about a career in the NBA, shut up and take advantage of every opportunity to show an NBA team what you can do, in person.
The world of pro basketball owes you nothing. It is up to you to prove that you are worthy of a draft pick. You limit your opportunities to make your case at your own risk.
a little harsh
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 17:11 — gvillegatrconsidering who wrote and shaped this article. when has anyone ever known TH to complain or pat his own back?? hes certainly never done it in print or tv.
Hot button issue
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 19:41 — JPDOhioNo, he hasn't and now is not the time to start. That's what was surprising to me when it was reported. Tyler is not a whiner and has gotten where he is today because of his work ethic. While he is not a klutz, he does not have the natural athleticism of many of the opponents he will face in the pros. It is his work ethic that will make or break his career.
The one thing I would not tolerate from my own kids is when they started whining or feeling sorry for themselves. You gotta nip that stuff in the bud. So call it tough love for Tyler. I like guys who work as hard as he does and hope he has success in the pros.
"does not have natural athleticism"
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 20:53 — gvillegatrJust say he is white.
But IMO, he has plenty of athleticism. when will people say, "he does have athleticism" instead of saying, "he has all this hustle." whats the dadgum difference??
Just to be clear...
Fri, 06/12/2009 - 13:47 — JPDOhioI never said (or meant to say) that Tyler is not athletic. But when compared to the typical NBA player he will be matched up against, he will not win the athleticism battle very often. He could, however, overcome any deficiency by being smarter and playing harder than his opponent.
In any event, it is an open question whether he will succeed as a pro or follow JJ Redick's path to the folder chairs. If he does succeed, it will be because of his head and heart, not his athleticism.
I agree with JPDOhio, It'll
Fri, 08/14/2009 - 10:24 — JackMagicI agree with JPDOhio, It'll take alot of heart and smarts on his part to make up for what we feel he lacks, in order to achieve any success as a player. Well like they say, without obstacles, there is no success. Its up to the player.
<a href="http://productreviewsby.me/magic-jack">magic jack</a>
OK
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 22:04 — JPDOhioHe's white.
I have to retract this statement.
Fri, 06/12/2009 - 13:49 — JPDOhioWhy? Two words. Brandon Costner.
Apparently, there are exceptions to every rule.
DON"T DO IT!!!!
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 13:44 — trickydickpksBobcats,
You've drafted enough UNC players. If you guys still think that drafting familiar faces will put butts in seats, then you are mistaken. Sure, people knew Sean May and Raymond Felton, but they didn't come to the games because the team didn't win. The Bobcats don't need another power forward, and they certainly don't need Hansborough. Sorry Tar Hole nation, your boy just doesn't have much NBA potential.
he's frustrated because
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 12:58 — dkellyuncafter 4 years in college and all his accomplishments people still doubt his ability. What's the guy have to do?
He's done everything and he'll be good in the NBA no doubt in my mind.
As far as this KG comparison is concerned.... just who in the last 10 drafts has come out and even come close to being a player like KG? Certainly nobody from State or DOOK. Tim Duncan is the only one I can think of but I'm sure he was in the league before KG..
Critics and Carolina's rivals can say what they want about Hansbrough but Carolina fans know the deal.. TH was one of the greats at Carolina and that alone is enough for us.. He won a National Championship, ACC Championships and he OWNED State and DOOK. He'll be a good pro.
KG/Duncan
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 19:52 — dougcoatsGarnett was drafted in '95, Duncan in '97. Timmy may be older, but Garnett has been in the league longer....concerning size, it may be better to compare Hanstravel to Elton Brand.
no...if you're going to call him anything,
Fri, 06/12/2009 - 07:32 — dkellyunccall him Hans-champion. It must suck being a state fan.
clever jab
Sat, 06/13/2009 - 02:06 — dougcoatsBeing 'who you are"
Thu, 06/11/2009 - 12:14 — mayberry_lady1Being who you are is very hard when you live and breathe under a basketball news microscope. I'm sure he's going through the hoopla as best he can knowing the end is near. Sometimes playing the sport is the easiest part...dealing with the press coverage that wants center stage and the 'first scoop' sometimes surpasses game coverage. Hansbrough will boost attendance just as any Carolina game in Charlotte does. He brings more than his skills, he brings a familiar face to the team. ...and that brings in gate receipts. Not a bad move.