Tar Heels glad Hansbrough didn't pass them up

Posted Mar 9, 2009
Tyler Hansbrough's Senior Night in Chapel Hill almost never happened. Not because the 6-foot-9 senior thought of going directly from Poplar Bluff (Mo.) High to the NBA — which he did. Not because he considered leaving college after his freshman, sophomore and even junior seasons — which he also thought about. Hansbrough nearly called Gainesville, Fla., home and played for the Florida Gators. "I was close," Hansbrough said of nearly playing for Billy Donovan. (FOX Sports)

Related: Basketball, Tar Heels in the NBA

What Was UNC's Offensive Plan Late At Cal?
North Carolina had California quickly backing toward the ropes with seemingly nowhere to go late in Saturday's game at Haas Pavilion. Down by 20 points...
Mon Jan 19, 2026

Hubert Davis on Caleb Wilson's droughts, Seth Trimble's late shots, the press, and more
Hubert Davis on Caleb Wilson getting just four or fewer shots over the final 15 minutes in each of the last four games: "Well, those...
Mon Jan 19, 2026

Longtime Fans Reflect On 500 Smith Center Wins
Here, we reflect on four unforgettable Smith Center wins, memories shared by fans who witnessed nearly all of them; games that brought exhilaration to a...
Mon Jan 19, 2026

North Carolina's basketball season is wobbling, and the spotlight is back on Hubert Davis
The Tar Heels’ terrible defensive play isn’t going to get any better soon, especially with North Carolina yet to reach the heart of ACC play...
Mon Jan 19, 2026