Prospect Profile

Strengths:

  * Good shooter with deep range
  * Tough competitor
  * Showed point guard skills
  * Willing defender

Weaknesses:

  * Isn't an overwhelming athlete
  * Doesn't have prototypical size
 

NBA projection:
Opinions are mixed as to where Hansbrough will get chosen in the draft. But those who know him well are convinced he'll find his way onto an NBA roster because of hard work and his competitive nature. Hansbrough has the ability to play both guard spots, which will give him added value to an NBA team looking for a reliable backcourt reserve.

2010-11 Season:
Hansbrough was voted the Big East Player of the Year after leading the Fighting Irish in scoring, assists and steals. He was also a unanimous first-team All-Big East pick and was chosen to several All-America teams.

Key statistics:
18.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.3 tpg, 1.2 spg, 35.4 mpg, .479 FG, .435 3PT, .815 FT

Cool statistic:
Hansbrough reached the 1,000-point mark at Notre Dame in just two seasons. He finished with 1,044 in 69 games for a career average of 15.1. Coupled with the points he scored in two seasons at Mississippi State, Hansbrough finished with 1,613 points in four years.

Reminds me of:
Manu Ginobili

What Insiders Say:
Notre Dame coach Mike Brey
"I just think he's gonna be in this league for a while, I firmly believe that. I don't know how he's going to get there: first-round pick, second-round pick, undrafted, dogfight his way on. I just think he's going to be on a roster.”

What Outsiders Say:
St. John's coach Steve Lavin
"He has a competitive spirit and has the ball on the string. He has a nice change of pace on the bounce and can drain it from long range. He's crafty and knows how to draw the foul and get his team closer to the bonus and double bonus. Coach Brey utilizes him well."

Marquette coach Buzz Williams
"I think he's one of the best players in the country. He plays with a high motor, I think he's extremely competitive, moves without the ball as well as anyone in the country, and his shot is part of the pass. So when he's coming off the screen, it's all one motion. It's not like he's going to catch it, then square up; it's not like you and me playing."

Chris Dortch is the editor of the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.