Tyler Hansbrough, a name synonymous with North Carolina basketball, has made a surprising pick for this year's NCAA Tournament: Duke. Yes, you read that right. The former Tar Heel star is backing his alma mater's arch-rival, praising the Blue Devils for their impressive play as March Madness looms.
Hansbrough shared his thoughts on The Field of 68, where he didn't hesitate to declare Duke as his favorite to win it all. He highlighted their resilience despite dealing with injuries, saying, "Even with the injuries, they're rolling on all cylinders. Their half-court defense and ability to shrink the court make them the team to beat."
A significant part of Hansbrough's admiration is directed at Duke's head coach, Jon Scheyer. "Jon Scheyer has done an unbelievable job," he remarked, naming Scheyer as a top candidate for Coach of the Year alongside Fred Hoiberg. The tactical prowess of the Blue Devils under Scheyer's leadership has clearly caught Hansbrough's eye.
Despite injuries to key players like Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II, Hansbrough believes Duke's depth will carry them through. With Foster sidelined due to a foot injury and Ngongba potentially returning during the tournament, the team will rely heavily on players like Cayden Boozer, who is stepping up in a new role.
Cameron Boozer, Cayden's twin brother and a standout freshman forward, has been a cornerstone for Duke this season. Projected as a top-five NBA Draft pick, his performance will be crucial as Duke navigates the challenges ahead.
While Duke is favored to secure a No. 1 seed and make a deep run, Hansbrough's endorsement doesn't guarantee victory. The unpredictability of March Madness means that winning six consecutive games is no small feat. Yet, for Duke fans, Hansbrough's praise is a sweet note of validation from an unexpected source.