Tyler Hansbrough: X-Factor Now, 12th Man Later

There is no doubting North Carolina Junior Forward Tyler Hansbrough's collegiate prowess. His numerous accolades, double-doubles, and domination of the ACC over the past three years have been something for the history books. 

At 23 points and 10 rebounds per game, he is perhaps the most dominant player in the ACC.  His team, the North Carolina Tar Heels, is many people's choice to win the NCAA tournament this year.

After the season ends, the long list of early entrants to the NBA Draft will begin to form.  It is likely Hansbrough's name will end up on that list for what else does he have to accomplish on the collegiate level? 

The hype machine around Carolina's gifted forward has been and will continue churn out bouquets for the 6-foot-9-inch junior from Poplar Bluff, Mo.

The question is, "Will Tyler Hansbrough be an NBA superstar?" 

The answer is "NO."

Recent players with similar skill sets to Hansbrough's have come into the NBA and languished on the bench.  At 6'9", he is undersized and strikingly similar to former Duke F/C Shelden Williams. 

Both men are 6'9" and 250 lbs.  Williams' numbers with Duke were strikingly similar to Hansbrough's.  Tyler averaged six more points per game in college, while Williams had a slight rebounding edge. 

Williams has never averaged six points or six rebounds a game throughout his NBA career, which this year has him riding the pine for Reggie Theus' Sacramento Kings. 

Perhaps Hansbrough's goals should be to emulate another 6'9" forward, former NBA-er Armon Gilliam.  He played 13 seasons in the NBA and averaged 13.7 points a game for his career. 

I'm not sure if Hansbrough has quite the offensive prowess Gilliam had, but it is certainly a way to extend your career. 

Whichever team Hansbrough is drafted by will have a project on their hands. 

I have nothing against the guy.  I could have written this same article about D.J. White of Indiana who is 6'9", 250 as well.  I think they should just enjoy college as long as they can because the NBA is going to eat them alive, especially Hansbrough.