Notre Dame's Hansbrough named All-American

March 28, 2011|By Tom Noie, Tribune Staff Writer

His college career ended nine days ago in an NCAA tournament third-round loss to Florida State, but former Notre Dame guard Ben Hansbrough continues to reap the rewards of a storybook senior season.

Hansbrough - who helped drive the Irish to a 27-7 mark, a school record 14 Big East wins and a Top 10 national ranking - was named Monday a second team All-American by the Associated Press.

Hansbrough was joined on the second team by Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State), Marcus Morris (Kansas), Jordan Taylor (Wisconsin) and Derrick Williams (Arizona). It marks the third time in four years that an Irish player has earned that honor. Former Notre Dame power forward Luke Harangody was a two-time second team AP All-American (2008, 2009).

Hansbrough led the Irish in scoring (18.4 ppg), assists (4.2) and steals (1.2) this season. He also averaged a team-best 20.4 points in 18 Big East games, third best in the conference.

“I couldn’t be more happier playing with this group of guys,” Hansbrough said after last week’s loss to Florida State in the third round of the NCAA tournament. “It was a thrill to play with these guys and lead them to where we were.

“It’s been the best thing in my life, probably ever.”

Earlier this month, Hansbrough was the lone player to earn unanimous selection to the All-Big East first team. Two days later, he was honored at Madison Square Garden as the fourth Notre Dame player to earn league player of the year. Hansbrough has also earned All-American recognition from Sporting News (second team) and Basketball Times (third team).

Following his transfer from Mississippi State, Hansbrough scored 1,044 points in his two seasons at Notre Dame. That was good enough for 48th on the school’s all-time scoring list. He started all 69 games of his Notre Dame career.

“Talk about maxing out an opportunity and becoming an all-around player,” Irish coach Mike Brey said of Hansbrough after the loss to Florida State. “I didn’t know he could become the leader he became.

“He became a fabulous captain for us.”

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