Mr. Freeman, I don't normally like your columns and often disagree; however, on this occasion you have absolutely nailed it. The sad part is that, I am a diehard Carolina fan. The reality is, I have never witnessed a player with average skills receive so much hype in my life. I mean I love Carolina winning, I love Hansbrough's toughness and energy but he is not offensive powerhouse by any means. Most of his shots look awkard and or lucky. Sure, he makes some decent baskets every now and then but for the most part he reminds me more of Bill Lambeer than anyone.
To his credit he shoots a high percentage on free throws, which helps his scoring average. If you look at the Duke game alone inwhich referees were not going to give him those silly flop fouls, he didn't get to the line vvery much and scored only 16 points. As a fan of his, I hate when he flops and throws antics to get to the line. It totally takes away from his overall game. For a tough guy he sure does put on a good acting show. It appears he plays offense to get to the line with or without the ball. That's is a pure sign of offensive futility with skilled moved.
If you look at the game without Hansbrough glasses on, you see that Green was the MVP of that game and made clutch shots with great shooting. The kid played the most complete game of any Tarheel. He had about six blocks as well and all we here about is Hansbrough. Carolina is a team and there are other players who contribute in big ways. How about Ellington, hitiing big basket after big basket when Duke when on runs? How about Q nailing the 3 when we needed it most?
So you have to ask yourself, why does Ty get so much hype and media exposure? It sadly boils down to him being white, plain and simple. Just like Tim Tebow of Florida in football. The Heisman will forever br tainted because it was given to a player based on stats and not wins or the ability to lead your team to a major victory. Tebow lost every major game he played in. Leak wasn't there to save them this year. Last year many wanted Tebow to start and thought he was the better player to lead them to big victories. This year he had his chance and the team did worse, but Tebow wins the Heisman and Leak didn't. Last year they lost one game, this year they loose 4, yet Tebow wins the Heisman. Guess it is coincidental that Leak was AA and Tebow is European American?
Now in Basketball, the same thing about to happen with Hansbrough. He is a good hustler and rebounds well like Dennis Rodman. His play is a lot like Dennis Rodman who played with effortless energy for 40 minutes a night. He was a great rebounder who made lay ups when the opportunity presented itself. I am sure he could have made more if they went to him. His biggest weakness was free throw shooting, an area Hansbrough thrives in. Hansbrough deserves credit like every other player but he is not the POY this year so far. Let's look at his overall game on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being poor and 10 being super:
#1- Outside shot- 4- It is as consistent as the rainfall to end the drought.
#2- Passing ability- 4 It is non-existent as he burls his way to the basket without ever looking for cuttting men
#3- One on One defense- 1- Can't stop anyone and has been exposed all season long.
#4- Low-post skill set- 5- He gets to the line so I will give him credit for that but hi shot is constantly blocked and or just thrown up.
#5- Blocks- 1- How many blocks on the year? Less than double digits for a supposedly opposing big man.
#6- Steals- 1- Doesn't have the quickness at all.
#7- Free Throw Percentage- 8- Shoots very well from the line for a power forward.
#8- Game Winning One on One moves to win the game- 1- No way, he tried that once and it was ugly.
#9- Rebounding- 10- Mr. Energy will go get it, no knocks here.
#10- Hustle/Energy- 10- Enough said
What you see here is a one demensional player who receives accolades for POY because of hustle and getting to the free throw line a lot. Sadly but true, he is a defensive liability. His man constantly scores when they receive the ball down low and do not have t oworry about it being blocked. So, no intimidation factor either. Is he an average player? Absolutely not, but not a great overall player when you consider all the variables. Freeman was absolutely right when he said there are plenty of other players who hustle, rebound and play hard. Some also have a great offensive skill set while doing the same things Tyler does. Mr. Thompson of Carolina has the best low-post skill set in the ACC but he isn't featured. He should take at least 12 shots a game,
Carolina fans who have thin/white skin (pun intended), get over it, there is no reason to get angry because Freeman points out a lot of truth to the hype and play of Ty. It is what it is. If you take off the Carolina Blue shades and look at his game objectively it is nothing special in regards to great offensive or defensive skill sets. It is mostly made up of European(white) media hyping a guy who looks like them and represents their losing manhood (joke). Put it this way, if the majority of the media coverage was AA TY would be just another hustling Wojo. But then again in America, sadly but true the AA is portrayed with more negativity than good as a whole and that stems back to days we do not want to mention. Every opportunity there is to find a decent European American sports athlete who can play the game well, he is the next "golden boy," or face of this or that.
If you are angered at his comments look in the mirror and ask yourself, why are you angry? Is it because Freeman is AA and making the comments or do you have a deep developmental dysfunction in regards to insecurity and superiority and other races? There are doctors to help you with your problem but don't get mad at reality, do something about it.
Very good read Mr. Freeman and I admire your courage to tell it like it is.
As a Carolina fan, I want him to win the POY award but not because he is European American but because his play leads his team to a NC. He can't win it not being a complete player and he has a lot of work to do to become a complete player. What would I recommend first? Stop flopping and looking for fouls and increase your defensive play. Then, work on low-post moves/ go to moves that guarantee two points instead of burling and looking for fouls.
Good day folks.
