So now the latest rumor is that University of North Carolina freshman forward Tyler Hansbrough is going to enter this year's upcoming NBA draft. I think that it would be a tremendous mistake for Hansbrough to go through wih this decision and I'll explain why, for several reasons.
First of all, he's just a freshman. Does he really believe that he has learned everything that he possibly could from Roy Williaams? I don't think so. And also, although it may not be any of his concern, but how is any school supposed to build successful programs if their kids don't stay longer than a year or two? Not good for college basketball, not good for the players, not good for the NCAA coaches.
Second, although he had a spectacular freshman season, what Hansbrough and his fellow Tar Heels achieved this season can only serve as building blocks for the next few seasons. Hansbrough can only get better, as can his team, and perhaps with another big man added, he could dominate his game even further than he is now.
Next, he is only 6' 9". He may be able to get away with playing in the paint as a makeshift center in college, but if he thinks that that's gooing to fly in the NBA, he's got another thing coming. 6' 9" guys are a dime a dozen in the Association, and he should use the next three years of eligibility not only for his team and their future success, but also for himself. Tyler Hansbrough can not take his body into the NBA right now with any success. He's built like Rik Smits, who did have a successful pro career, but the difference in the two is that Smits was a legitimate 7 footer, he wasn't six nine. Those three inches can make all the difference in the world when your batttling for rebounds in the pros.
In closing, if I were to talk to Mr. Hansbrough right now, I would say take the time, if not the whole three years, then maybe two, but take the time to let your body mature, get bigger and stronger, and bettter prepare yourself to make an impact for a career as a power forward in the NBA.
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