Tyler Hansbrough's Summer League Debut a Good Start

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Coming off the bench is a new sensation for Tyler Hansbrough. It's not one that he's had to experience since middle school.

He did just that, though, in his first taste of professional action in Monday's Orlando Pro Summer League opener.

The results seemed to justify Pacer president Larry Bird's controversial selection of Hansbrough at No. 13 in last month's NBA Draft. Hansbrough recorded a team-high 17 points, five rebounds, and three steals in Indiana's 75-67 overtime win over a combined team of prospects from New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Bird sat courtside, offering tips and advice, as Hansbrough played through 25 minutes of action, despite committing four fouls in the first half.

Hansbrough had his number called by coach Jim O'Brien on a play with 13 seconds left in regulation, but his would-be game-winning jump shot fell short.  Many observers felt that he was clearly fouled, but no whistle was forthcoming.

Hansbrough said afterward, "I feel like I get fouled on every play, but I'm biased."

Some of Hansbrough's new teammates put in encouraging performances.

Swingman Brandon Rush contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, despite 4-of-18 shooting.

Center Roy Hibbert played 29 minutes, contributing 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting, along with nine rebounds and a blocked shot. Perhaps most importantly for Pacer fans, Hibbert committed only two fouls in those 29 minutes.

Hansbrough's fellow draftee, second-round pick A.J. Price, recorded eight points and four assists in his 20 minutes of action.

For the Sixers/Nets team, second-year center Marreese Speights was the center of attention, recording game-high figures of 28 points and 11 rebounds. The downside may have been Speights' 11-of-26 shooting day, which included two errant three-pointers.

Speights was also involved in an incident under the boards with Hansbrough, resulting in the two having to be separated.

Nets guard Chris Douglas-Roberts poured in 20 points. 

CDR's new New Jersey teammate, rookie Terrence Williams, had a difficult offensive outing, shooting only 1-of-8, but he tallied nine rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.

Sixers' rookie Jrue Holiday recorded nine points on 3-of-11 shooting, adding four rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a game-high four steals.

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