NBA Draft Prospects: Tyler Hansbrough, UNC

Stats: 20.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.2 spg, 1.0 apg, 1.9 t/o's, 51.4% FG, 84.1% FT, 39.1% 3PT

Listed Size: 6'9", 230 lb, 11/3/1985 (23 years old)



About Him: If you read this site, then I'm certain you already know and have formed your own conclusions regarding Hansbrough and his potential as an NBA player. Personally, I think Hansbrough is going to have a decent career as a role-playing type.

Hansbrough is a fairly unique player. Some guys survive simply because they are incredible athletes; other guys are just that talented or fundamentally sound; still others can get by because they are exceptional at one thing. Hansbrough gets by on effort and work ethic. He is going to beat you down the floor, or out hustle you to get to an offensive rebound, or out work you to get position on the block.

That's not to say that Hansbrough isn't a skilled player - you don't put up the numbers he did just because you play hard. He has some decent post moves, but nothing too advanced. His go-to move in the paint is a half-jump-hook, half-turn-around that he can hit going over either shoulder. He probably won't be able to effectively score in isolations situations on the block in the league, however. He got a lot of his points simply because he was stronger than the guys he was going up against, using the strength to go through a defender and draw a foul. That won't be the case in the NBA.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are more question marks. Hansbrough does not have the length required to be a shut-down defender in the post, and one of the biggest knocks on him is his relative lack of athleticism. But Hansbrough tested out better than expected at the combine. More importantly, Hansbrough is the kind of guy that will work hard. When it comes down to it, the willingness to put in the effort defensively is just as, if not more, important than any other tool in projecting how good of a defender a prospect will be.

The one thing Hansbrough really improved upon this past season was the range on his jumper. While he didn't shoot many, he was a threat to knock down a three ball. Being able to knock down an 18 footer will be huge for him. He does not really project as an offensive threat in the pros (at least not on the same level as he was in college), so being able to hit that shot would force defenses to keep honest.

Comparisons: Best Case: Brandon Bass, Paul Millsap, Charles Oakley (stretch); Worst Case: Mark Madsen, Brian Cardinal.

Bottom Line: Hansbrough is a proven winner and a workaholic. He's not the kind of guy that is going to be a cancer in the locker room. While his star potential is not going to be too high, he could carve himself out a nice little career if he lands in the right place.

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