Ben Hansbrough

Ben Hansbrough

Hansbrough received an unguaranteed training camp contract from the Pacers likely because his brother was there. He then stuck around for the entire season. Another one will be difficult - Hansbrough is a skilled and smart player, but he's an unathletic 6'3 who is not a full time half court point guard, and who struggled to score in his one NBA season due to his lack of athleticism and the extra three feet of range required. If he adds the range, maybe he makes it back as a shooter and occasional ball handler, but it's a long shot.

Ben Hansbrough - Hansbrough has appeared on national and international TV about 140 times in the last five years, so there's really not a lot to be said on the subject that hasn't already been said. Just know that he is either the lefty Manu Ginobili, or the 2011 Gerry McNamara without the ring to show for it, depending on the favourability of your opinion.

In lieu of anything interesting to say about him, then, here is a video clip in which Bob Knight does an impression of a spooky Scooby Doo ghost after Hansbrough hits a three, for no discernible reason at all.

The Irish aren't deemed to be worthy of a number 1 overall seed, but they could be. They are an old, experienced, enthused and relatively mistake-free team that doesn't want, need or use much depth. They go up to 8 deep, and use 7 most nights, but for the most part, it's a clearcut six man rotation.

That rotation is led by Big East player of the year, Ben Hansbrough. Ben plays as hard as Tyler, and is fearless, despite his small size and lack of athleticism. He has developed into a capable two-way combo guard, a good passer and leader, an aggressive defender who gives it whatever he has, who'll take on whoever is between him and the basket regardless of the mismatch, all while becoming one of the nation's best shooters. Mike Brey likens him to a right handed Manu Ginobili, and he has a point. Hansbrough doesn't have Ginobili's size, athleticism, flair or sheer talent level. But there's similarities there; the effort, the versatility, the dexterity, the shooting, the passing, the gumption. And the pigment.