Reigning national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough will attempt to smash UNC-Chapel Hill’s 30-year-old scoring record against Evansville Thursday night in Chapel Hill.
Hansbrough needs nine points to pass Phil Ford — now an assistant for the Charlotte Bobcats — who amassed 2,290 points at Carolina.
A ceremony is planned to honor the humble Hansbrough who seems the least likely to own UNC’s all time scoring record, especially considering the likes of Jordan, Worthy, Stackhouse, Carter, Jamison and Ford who all starred in Chapel Hill.
“No one would have thought that some big kid from Poplar Bluff, Mo., who can barely chew gum and walk at the same time would be able to do it,” former Tar Heel forward Sean May told the News & Observer. “But, that just shows his heart and his passion for the game — just like Phil when he was playing.”
Hansbrough is also chasing J.J. Redick’s ACC scoring record of 2,769 points set in 2006. With 2,282 points, Hansbrough needs 487 points to tie the former Duke star.
The Tar Heels are scheduled for 21 more regular season games, and Hansbrough is averaging 22.8 points per game. If he maintains that average, Hansbrough will finish the regular season by scoring close to 479 points with the ACC tournament and a likely strong run in the NCAA tournament looming for the Heels.
All of this depends on if Hansbrough avoids injury — a huge concern for the Heels considering his shin and ankle injuries — and, more importantly, if my addition and subtraction skills are still in line from elementary school.
You might want to double check it yourself.
