Staff video by Jason Arthurs

Staff photo by Robert Willett

CHAPEL HILL — Since the day he stepped foot on the North Carolina campus, forward Tyler Hansbrough has been working to diversify his offensive resume by trying to extend his shooting range.

But it seemed fitting that when it came time to break UNC’s three-decades-old career scoring record during the top-ranked Tar Heels’ 91-73 victory over Evansville on Thursday night, the senior went back to an old staple: a power move.

With 7:41 left in the first half at the Smith Center, Hansbrough pivoted around Purple Ace forward James Haarsma to muscle a bank a shot off the glass and score his 10th point of the night and 2,292nd point of his career, breaking the mark (2,290) that point guard Phil Ford set from 1974-78.

CHAPEL HILL — So, the two most important numbers for North Carolina fans today are obvious: 2,290 (Phil Ford's career scoring mark), and nine (the number of points Tyler Hansbrough needs to pass that mark).

But here are some other interesting Hansbrough-related digits, provided by UNC, as Hansbrough and the Tar Heels prepare to play Evansville:

1,075 — points scored at the Smith Center

CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough said he won't be keeping track of his point total Thursday night as he shoots closer and closer of the school's all-time scoring record.

"But I'll probably know when it happens,'' he deadpanned Wednesday.

CHAPEL HILL — There's little doubt that North Carolina big man Tyler Hansbrough will set the school record for career points Thursday night. After all, he needs only nine to pass Phil Ford, currently atop the list at 2,290, and the senior has only posted six single-digit games in his career.

But how will he do it?

Shooting guard Wayne Ellington figures it will occur on a layup. Forward Danny Green predicts a three-point play.

As of 9 a.m. this morning, tickets were still available for North Carolina's Thursday night game against Evansville, when forward Tyler Hansbrough is expected to break Phil Ford's school record for scoring, which has stood for three decades.

Hansbrough needs only nine points to break the mark, and Ford, now a Charlotte Bobcats assistant coach, will be in attendance. 

To buy tickets, go to tarheelblue.com. 

Charlotte Bobcats assistant coach Phil Ford will attend North Carolina's game against Evansville, when Tyler Hansbrough is expected to break his three-decades old scoring record, Ford told The Charlotte Observer on Monday evening.

Hansbrough needs nine points to set the new scoring mark; Ford scored 2,290 points from 1974-78.

Ford has said it's an honor to be compared to Hansbrough, a UNC senior forward. 

Phil Ford, or at least someone selling his ring from the 2000 Final Four, is the latest Tar Heel to turn to eBay for financial support. A ring from UNC's 2005 national championship team was sold for $3,600 in July.

Ford's ring from UNC's trip to the Final Four in 2000, Ford's last as an assistant coach at UNC, is up for bid on eBay. The starting bid is $5,000. That's a handsome chunk of change for cubic zirconia.