Sometimes, even the fiercest rivalries take a backseat to undeniable talent. That's exactly the case with Tyler Hansbrough, the former North Carolina star, who recently gave a nod of respect to Duke's basketball team. Speaking on The Field of 68, Hansbrough didn't shy away from picking Duke as his top choice for this year's NCAA Tournament.
Despite injuries, Hansbrough sees Duke firing on all cylinders. Their half-court defense and ability to control the court have convinced him they should be favorites. “If I were gonna pick a team, it would definitely be Duke,” he stated confidently.
Hansbrough also praised Jon Scheyer's impressive coaching. He sees Scheyer as a top contender for Coach of the Year, alongside Fred Hoiberg. The tactical prowess displayed by Duke under Scheyer’s leadership has been a standout for Hansbrough.
Even with injuries to key players like Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II, Hansbrough believes Duke's depth can handle the pressure. He expects Cayden Boozer to step up in the lineup, especially given his brother Cameron Boozer's standout performances. Cameron, a freshman forward, is already projected as a top NBA Draft pick.
While Duke is seen as a favorite, the road to a championship is never guaranteed. They'll need to navigate through six consecutive victories in the NCAA Tournament. As they likely secure a No. 1 seed, the unpredictability of March Madness looms large.
For Duke fans, Hansbrough’s praise is a sweet note from an unexpected source, adding an extra layer of excitement as the tournament approaches.