It’s been over a decade since Tyler Hansbrough suited up for a game in a Carolina uniform, but for fans who watched the non-conference matchup against Northeastern last night, “Psycho T” returned to the UNC lineup.
The former Naismith Player of the Year and the ACC’s all-time leading scorer wasn’t present on the hardwood, but he did throw on a headset to make his college basketball broadcasting debut. And, for much of the game, his presence on the microphone was a breath of fresh air.
In a season full of oddities – empty stands, cardboard cutouts, game cancellations and socially distanced sidelines – having the former 4x All-American on the call just seemed to make sense. Hansbrough provided insight regarding head coach Roy Williams, his years on the team and what it’s like to be a member of such a storied program.
As I sat and watched the game, I reflected on my early years of fandom and considered the possibility that many of the students who were watching the game last night may not even know who Hansbrough is. The concept itself seems foreign to me, but not everyone is as obsessed with sports as I would like to think.
Throughout the contest, Twitter was full of reactions from Carolina fans, with many people shocked by the calm demeanor of his broadcast. Some were even referring to the Tar Heel great as “Sleepy T.” By any measure, however, it was a smooth go of things for it to be his first time on the air.
There were certainly some memorable moments, perhaps most notably the bit where he picked on Kessler for his haircut and the difficulty of finding the right barber in Chapel Hill, which can be seen below. At another point, he even joked about assistant coach Hubert Davis looking old. It was a beautifully blended mix of lighthearted humor, player experience and game breakdown.
However, fans were also quick to note that even after years and years of being an alumni, Hansbrough still considered himself a part of the organization, referring to the team as “we” for most of the broadcast. Then again, who can really blame him? I, for one, would never want to disassociate with such a historical team, especially after a career as memorable as his.
He quite literally carried the team on his back for a four-year stint, now unheard of, which culminated in 2009 with a National Championship win. While his NBA career was somewhat of a letdown, ending in 2016, there is no denying the greatness that Hansbrough embodied every time he took the floor for UNC. If you weren’t fortunate enough to watch his collegiate career, please, for the love of God, indulge in the video below.
Tyler Hansbrough — The Psycho T Mix
Goosebumps.
Now, it seems as if he might have a new basketball opportunity on the way. Although his playing years may almost be over, his knowledge of the game has only furthered since then, a key component to being a worthy color commentator. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear his voice through the television speakers more and more frequently in the coming years.
If you came looking for a final score, sorry it took me so long. The Heels walked away last night with an 82-62 non-conference victory, which sounds so unusual this late into the season, and now sit at 13-5 overall. Williams and Co. can look ahead to a high-stakes matchup against Louisville this upcoming Saturday, which will take place in the Dean Dome.
Isn’t it crazy to think that students haven’t filled the risers in almost a year? That atmosphere was just electric. I would give anything to go crazy to “Jump Around” right about now. I mean, who would’ve thought that during my senior year, the world would be on lock down? Damn, I miss basketball.
Stanley out.
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