Offseason Q&A: Tyler Hansbrough

Inside Carolina
Posted Jul 14, 2008


CHAPEL HILL, N.C. --- North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough spoke to the media on Monday afternoon at the Smith Center as part of an offseason interview session.

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Do you feel like there's only one thing left to accomplish in your college career?

"Right now, yes. I'd say winning a national championship is a big key and it'd be a good way to end my career."

You obviously like it a lot here. What else went into your decision to come back for your senior year?

"Education - my diploma was a factor, too. My grandpa really stressed that and he's somebody who I always talk to. I know it seems times have changed, but to me that's important. Winning a national championship was the main factor, but I'd also love to get a degree."

Why did you feel it wasn't necessary to test the waters?

"I know what I need to work on. My coaches tell me that every day and I trust my coaches. I just feel like those [NBA] guys have watched me enough - I've been in college for three years so there's no point in them seeing me play a couple games. They know what I can do so I didn't feel it was necessary."

What have you been working on this summer?

"Just been working on becoming more explosive, quicker ... on the court I've been working on my face-up game and trying expand my range. ... I've been working on a lot of different things and have been working out to the three[-point line]."

A couple weeks ago you took photos with all of your hardware. What was that like for you?

"That was the first time I saw all those trophies and awards together. It was neat to see them. I realize the company I'm in and feel honored."

What are your thoughts on being poised to become the school's leading scorer and rebounder?

"It's quite an accomplishment. But to be honest with you, it's on account of my teammates. I feel very honored to be there."

As you heard about Danny, Wayne and Ty going through their NBA workouts, did you ever wonder what it was like or were you glad not to have to do that?

"I was working out here, so I was glad I didn't have to travel around the country. I'm happy they got to learn all about it and see what it's about, but for me I was glad I got to stay here because I get to train with the guys who know my weaknesses."

Were you at all surprised how it developed, with all of them returning?

"To be honest with you, I thought they were all coming back. I'm not really surprised any of them came back ... I thought that's what they wanted to do. They just wanted to test the waters and see what it's like. I just felt like they liked college a lot and I didn't think any of them were going to leave."

Have you and Bobby jumped off any more roofs lately?

"No, I don't think that's on his rehab anymore. That stage is over. [laughs]"

Were you surprised at all the attention that got?

"Yeah, I was kind of surprised. I couldn't believe it ... We flipped on the TV and it was on PTI."

Coaches didn't say anything to you about that?

"They just laughed. We definitely wouldn't do it again, I'll tell you that."

Is that one of the reasons you came back - to be a college kid?

"Like me and Bobby have been saying all along, we're in college and we know a lot of people are watching us, but that was fun to me. That's what we do - we like to have fun. We're not going to make the best decisions all the time, but who does?"





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