The Stress Fracture Bug Hits The Heels Again

First, it was Marcus Ginyard with a stress fracture in his foot that required surgery, knocking UNC's best defender out of the line-up for about two months. Now, it appears as if reigning ACC player of the year Tyler Hansbrough will have to miss some time with what the school is calling a "stress reaction" in his shin.

From The Worldwide Leader:

The reigning Associated Press player of the year did not practice Thursday. Instead, he underwent an MRI that revealed the stress reaction, which if not properly treated could lead to a stress fracture, team spokesman Steve Kirschner said.

The school issued a statement saying there is no timetable for his return and no further information on the injury was available. Coach Roy Williams said he would have no comment until Friday after he meets with Hansbrough and the medical staff.

Hansbrough still has over two weeks until UNC opens up with Penn on Nov. 15th, but depending on the severity of the stress reaction, he may miss his first start in the 108 games that he has been at Chapel Hill.

Stress reactions and stress fractures seem like a difficult injury to deal with, as you don't want to rush a player back too soon. Case in point, Marcus Ginyard. He played most of last year with what team officials called a stress reaction, and after aggravating the injury in August, he needed surgery to fix it.

No matter how much you hate a certain player, you can't enjoy hearing news like this. Although I, too, am getting sick of hearing about how perfect Hansbrough is, both on and off the court. But the kid busts his behind every second he is on the floor, and clearly loves playing this game (why else would he pass up the NBA's millions for three straight summers), so here's to hoping he makes a full and speedy recovery.

Besides, I would much rather see him getting dunked on than sitting on the bench in street clothes.