Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Tyler Hansbrough/Mark Madsen

As we move along in November, I feel it is now the perfect time to remind people of the truth behind everyone's favorite Caucasian, power forward with multiple All-American awards. Described by many to play with "sharp intensity" and a "real winner", he certainly is a high motor guy, who plays with great strength and toughness. Unfortunately for his future, he possesses minimal ball-handling skills and lacks any type of lateral quickness. Despite being a 6'9" power forward, he has no go-to post move beyond a quick turnaround jumper and certainly has no counter move to this.

His stats? He has been nearly a double-double guy in each of his three college seasons and has shot above 52% from the field each year. His shot blocking numbers show a lack of ability to protect the basket - never averaging over 1 block per game. His teams' success? Despite winning 23 or more games in each of his college seasons, and playing with multiple NBA players, the team has lost in the final four once and been upset early in their other two tournament appearances.

Nicknamed for his passionate play, Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen parlayed his senior season of college into becoming the 29th pick in the 2000 draft.

In the name of Joakim Noah, Bobby Hurley, Adam Morrison, and of course, J.J. Redick, enjoy your senior season of college basketball, Tyler Hansbrough. This is the last year you will be an impact player on a basketball team.

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