ND gets Ben Hansbrough in transfer

[spiral97]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/ncaa/04/29/hansbrough.nd.ap/index.html

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Ben Hansbrough, who helped Mississippi State advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament last month, is transferring to Notre Dame.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound guard from Poplar Bluff, Mo., had started 28 of Mississippi State's 34 games and was fourth on the team in scoring at 10.5 points a game. Hansbrough is the younger brother of AP Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, a forward for North Carolina.

The younger Hansbrough said he chose the Fighting Irish over Purdue and Oklahoma State.

"They have a great style that I feel I can flourish in," he said by cell phone Tuesday from Starkville, Miss., where he was preparing to take his last two finals. "They have a great team and it's a great school."

Hansbrough announced earlier this month that he would not return for his junior season at Mississippi State. He said Tuesday he decided to leave because "it wasn't the best fit for me."

After sitting out a year at Notre Dame, Hansbrough would be allowed to play in the 2009-10 season and have two seasons of eligibility. He could fill the void left by Kyle McAlarney, who has one year of eligibility left with the Irish.

Sports information director Bernie Caferelli said Irish coach Mike Brey could not comment on a transfer until after paperwork is completed. Hansbrough said he informed Brey of his decision Monday night. It was first reported by the South Bend Tribune.

Hansbrough said he was relieved to make the decision.

"I slept in this morning for the first time in two weeks," he said.

Hansbrough came away from a visit to Notre Dame over the weekend impressed after playing basketball with the Irish players.

"I absolutely love the way they play," he said. "He (Brey) lets his players get up and down and play."

Hansbrough plans to enroll at Notre Dame on June 20.

[Big Daddy Z]

he is not a Big East guard...give me a break. Wait until he has to guard someone form SU, CT, GT & MU...not happening.

[MUWarrior11]

I played against Ben in high school.
Quality player, but nothing to worry about.

[mviale]

I am sure this signing will send shockwaves through the BE

[ZiggysFryBoy]

maybe psycho t can sit by macalarney's mom and wrestle harangody's brother.

[LON]

Tyler's shadow!  Tyler's shadow!

The students have to make sure they know this chant by the '09 season.

[lab_warrior]

Great move by ND...let's get another slow, small unathletic guard who can't hit shots unless wide open.  Here's to watching DJ, McNeal, and Wes completely abuse him next year.

[wheresthecake?]

Great move by ND...let's get another slow, small unathletic guard who can't hit shots unless wide open.  Here's to watching DJ, McNeal, and Wes completely abuse him next year.

I believe he'll be sitting out next year due to transfer, so unfortunately DJ, Jerel, and Wes will never even face the kid.

[ErickJD08]

Its Hansbrough...its hanbrough.