Monday, June 22, 2009

Hansbrough invited to NBA's 'green room'

The NBA is expected to release its list of invitees to Thursday’s draft later today. But one player who will definitely be in the so-called “green room” at Madison Square Garden in New York: UNC forward Tyler Hansbrough.

“He was planning to go up there either way, but when he got the call and invitation, he was pretty happy,’’ his father, Gene Hansbrough, said this morning.

Hansbrough, a four-time All-America, is expected to be picked somewhere in the teens of the first round. He planned to work out with the New Jersey Nets – who have the 11th overall pick – again on Tuesday.

“He could go as high as 11, and I don’t see him getting past Utah at 20,’’ NBA draft analyst Chris Monter said.

Duke guard Gerald Henderson is also expected to be on the list when it is released today; he said last week he’s already thinking about what suit he’s going to wear that night. UNC point guard Ty Lawson could also be invited. Davidson's Stephen Curry confirmed his invitation late last week.

Draft invitees sit front and center at Madison Square Garden Theatre in front of the commissioner, and when their names are called, they're brought up to the podium, given their new team's hat, and get a handshake and photo op.

Agents usually do their due diligence to try to make sure their clients will be fairly-early picks before they accept the invitation; otherwise, players risk sitting there for a long while -- in view of a lot of TV cameras.

— Robbi Pickeral

17 comments:

Unknown said...

Okay, I'll ask: Will Karl Hess call a foul on David Stern when he shakes Tyler's hand at the podium?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Man, I wish he had played for my Deacons. :)

Heelz09 said...

Might want to sit Tyler and GH across the room. That way when Tyler goes first there won't be any cheap elbows thrown.

Anonymous said...

Go Nets! Take Tyler!

Anonymous said...

Tyler should be the #1 pick!!! Go Heels!

Anonymous said...

Do not worry Heelz09 Henderson will be gone long before Tyler gets out of his seat

Anonymous said...

Whomever suggested TH be the #1 pick -- please go to the nearest window and jump out -- preferably at least 10 stories.

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness the Charlotte Observer / Daily Tarheel has run 4 UNC-CH basketball stories today. Keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

What are you talking about Tuesdy????? Hess is the biggest Heel hater in stripes. Hansbrough never got the calls when Hess lead the crew. You sound like the typical crybaby Deac.

Anonymous said...

Ahhhh Loser Deac! Go Heels!

Anonymous said...

Did Tyler buy his new car yet? Where did he eat last night? Where is he getting his manicures and pedicures done?

Anonymous said...

I wonder if he'll get "Jameer Nelsoned"

Nelson, after winning NCAA POY and leading St. John's to a 30-1 record or something like that was picked somewhere in the mid 20s if I remember correctly. Of course you could still draft high school players when he came out, so it was a different scenario.

ninerfan4ever said...

this is gonna be EPIC watching him slip late into the round, or even the 2nd round.

Anonymous said...

Niner Fan.....do you masterbate to a photo of the National Champions?

Unknown said...

Anon 3:33- relax. "typical crybaby Deac?" We're rarely close enough to cry over anything in basketball. Lighten up.

Anonymous said...

hey Anon @ 5:25...

Jameer Nelson played at
St. Joseph's University,
led them to a 30-2 record,
and was selected 20th in 2004...
he was projected to be a top 10 selection... Tyler is not expected to go higher than New Jersey (11) or "worse" than Utah(20).

personally if i were Tyler or any other NCAA baller i'd rather go to the Lakers, Celtics, Spurs, .etc to compete for a championship right away than go to some scrubby team like the Bobcats the t-wolves or Thunder...

get yer facts straight...

Anonymous said...

we all know the Heels are the cream of the crop!!!!!!!!1 Danny Green is better than Henderson if given the greenlight!
There i SAID IT B*TCHES!!!

Anonymous said...

Dancin' Danny Green better lay off the pipe!