There is no question that the North Carolina Tar Heels would not be in the Elite 8 if it were not for Tyler Hansbrough who is a beast around the basket. He is a finalist for the Wooden Award which is given to the best player in college basketball. Although the real question is whether he is able to make the next transition into the NBA? Many scouts believe he is simply a bigger Mark Madsen (Timberwolves) in that he lacks athleticism and is too slow to play at the next level. I would have to agree in that good techinque could only take you so far and that speed and natural talent is where the big boys play (NBA). I really don't think that Tyler has what it takes to compete in the next level and a once promising top 10 selection is now falling fast toward the 2nd round of the 2008 NBA draft.
Players like Kevin Love UCLA Bruins and Michael Beasley Kansas State will be shoe-ins for a lottery selection, as well as fellow teammate Tywon Lawson whose draft stock is soaring. Unfortunately, for Tyler Hansbrough he will be riding the bench if he is selected by a NBA team who is willing to take a chance on a player that has limited offensive skills and his defense is subpar. He should defintely consider going to Europe to develop his game and make a name for himself overseas. Furthermore, staying in the states will not allow him to potentially blossom because his competition will be either in the NBDL or practice games. I wouldn't be suprised if he did not get drafted at all because looking at his stats from this year, against good quality teams he hs been limited to less than 20points.
11/14/07 vs. Davidson 14pts 14rebs 2to
11/28/07 vs. Ohio State 13pts 11rebs 1to
12/01/07 vs. Kentucky 14pts 11rebs 2to
1/19/08 vs. Maryland 17pts 14rebs 2to (lost)
1/31/08 vs. Boston College 18pts 6rebs 3to
3/08/08 vs. Duke 16pts 15rebs 1to (8 for 21 from the field)
1/06/08 vs. Clemson 12pts 14rebs 1to (42min and was limited to only 3 baskets)
In addition, Tyler Hansbrough has shot 6-14fg & 6-15fg from the field in the last 2 games in the NCAA Tournament.
At this point of his career, he should consider the fact that his role will greatly diminsh in the professional league and must realize that he could utilize his skills to be a role player similar to Slava Medvednko (Lakers) or Austin Croshere (Pacers). To expect anything more would be wishful thinking because speed and athleticism is what the NBA is all about and many GM's will be very careful in not falling for Tyler simply based on the fact that he a a great run in North Carolina.
Other players that great college careers but have had trouble adjusting to the NBA
2004 nba draft
Sean May, (Charlotte Bobcats) injured DNP
Adam Morrison* (Charlotte Bobcats) injured DNP
Julius Hodge (Denver Nuggets) out of the league
Jay Williams* (Chicago Bulls) career cut short by motorcycle accident
Michael Sweetney (N.Y. Knicks)
William Avery (Minnesota Timberwolves) out of the league
Michael Olowokandi (LA Clippers) biggest draft bust
Bryant Reeves (Vancouver Grizzlies) could'nt get a handle on his weight
Ed' O Bannon (New Jersey Nets) never materialized
Yinka Dare (New Jersey Nets) never was able to get an assist.
Tyler Hansbrough (?????)
