OSG Roundtable: Can Tyler Hansbrough Play At The NBA Level?

Brother Phil:

The question is a simple one; can Tyler Hansbrough succeed in the NBA? The answer is “YES”. Though I didn’t care much for him at North Carolina, it was mostly because it was North Carolina that he played for.

It’s hard to think that if someone is willing to put in the effort that he seems to be willing to that he wouldn’t be successful. I do however need to put a bit of a qualifier on it. He’ll be successful on the right team. NBA Teams, like teams in other Sports tend to sometimes be fascinated by players whether they fit there system or not. If Hansbrough ends up on a team that doesn’t have a need for someone like him, yeah…he’ll fail. Put him on a veteran team…he may struggle. Put him on a young team and look out. You can quote zillions of examples of players in the NBA, the NFL, the NHL and baseball that have been bad fits on the team that drafts them, many become successful once in the right situation.

To put it simply, you want a guy that will give 1000% every time he goes out there. Just by that alone, he’ll outwork most of the NBA. He has exhibited enough skill, both offensively and defensively, to show he can compete. He doesn’t have to score 30 points or get 20 rebounds a game. He’s the guy that will do the dirty work and rather than complain about it, will just smile.

Look at it this way, if you’ve ever played street ball, he’s the guy who will be on you full court…all the time, every play. You’ll hate him…but his team probably will win.

Wilkie:

Tyler Hansbrough will be a better NBA player than you might think for one simple reason. He’s motivated to prove the critics wrong. Critics who believe his game is very limited for the pro level.

Hansbrough has a crazy work ethic; they don’t call him Psycho “T” for nothing. He will out-work, out-hustle and out-smart anyone on the court. That in itself will bode well in the NBA. The question is can Hansbrough sustain that intensity he displayed at North Carolina in an 82 game NBA season?

All I’ll say is this. Larry Bird never took a game off and you saw how his NBA career turned out.

Hansbrough has shown a nice shooting touch as a power forward at the NBA draft combines. Remember Hansbrough played some facing the basket offensively rather than posting up last season at Carolina. Credit the Tar Heel coaching staff giving Hansbrough those opportunities to expand his game for the NBA level.

Now that I compared Psycho “T” to “Larry Legend” let me say this. I don’t think Hansbrough will achieve superstar status as a NBA player like he did at North Carolina. Who ever selects Hansbrough in the NBA draft will get a starting power forward or 6th man that can play at a high level immediately. Also take into account that Hansbrough comes from a winning program, one where he was the focal point of the team’s success. Hansbrough won’t have that spotlight in the pros nor the added burden of constant double teams.

Hansbrough’s stock is rising to the lottery but going to the mid to low 1st round would be ideal.

One Of The Other Guys: Two words- Christian Laettner

Photo Courtesy: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

College Basketball: ACC Predictions

North Carolina is above and beyond anyone else in the ACC. Duke is a solid #2. After that well you have a very talented but young Wake Forest team that will challenge or even break the Carolina - Duke strangle hold on the ACC. Miami is an up and coming program and rest will be battling for position.

Best Team In The ACC: North Carolina Tar Heels

Carolina is the best team in the nation. I will be very surprised if the Tar Heels don't make it to the Final Four. All the ingredients are in place for Carolina to cut down the nets in Detroit this year. Yes, Tyler Hansbrough is nursing a stress reaction but once his 100%, it's all good. Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson and Danny Green all flirted with the NBA but decided to stay in Chapel Hill. They want to hang a 5th championship banner at the Dean Dome.

Best Player In The ACC: Tyler Hansbrough - North Carolina

Hansbrough has became the face of college basketball. Look at every pre season magazine cover and you will see #50 in his baby blue uni. Hansbrough's engine never stops running and his opponents wonder when will he run out of gas. Averaging 22 points per game and 10 rebounds per game usually means no pits stops for #50.

Team That Could Surprise: Miami Hurricanes

Miami has perhaps the best pure shooter in the ACC in Jack McClinton. He shot 43% from the 3-point line last year and was over 90% from the free throw line. McClinton is money when the game is on the line. In 12 games McClinton's 2nd half on target shooting won many games for the Hurricanes. With Lance Hurdle running the point and powerful Jimmy Graham taking care of the details inside, the Canes could elbow Duke out of the way and, dare I say this, challenge North Carolina for the top spot. I think I did say it.

Who Will Go Dancing: North Carolina, Duke, Miami, Wake Forest, Clemson, Virginia TE

Who Plays For #66: Georgia Tech, Maryland, NC State, Florida State

ACC Notes: If you get a chance, watch Gervis Vasquez at Maryland. Vasquez should be free to play the 2 where he will be impressive shooting from he outside, penetrating and creating his shots. Vasquez is the biggest weapon in the Terrapins arsenal. Leonard Hamilton loves his FSU team this year. He says its the best chemistry he's had in all his years in Tallahassee. Seminole fans hope that translates into a post season tournament run.

ACC Predictions

1. North Carolina

2. Duke

3. Miami

4. Wake Forest

5. Clemson

6. Virginia Tech

7. Georgia Tech

8. Maryland

9. Florida State

10. NC State

11. Boston College

12. Virginia

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images