Notre Dame’s Ben Hansbrough: Big East Player of the Year?

If SIU is “Floor burn U,” than Notre Dame senior guard would be “Captain Floor Burn.” He’s even grindier than his brother Tyler in his playing style and tries about as hard as anyone in college basketball. Hansbrough didn’t make any preseason Big East all-conference teams, but Sunday he was the only player to be a consensus all-first team pick. Meaning he’s probably the favorite to win the conference player of the year award. Hansbrough has led ND to double-bye in conference tournament and a second place finish behind Pittsburgh with his ability to run the point and play off the ball. He’s a finely conditioned athlete who works on his quickness everyday with his unique folding chair drill on the practice court. “Ben was born with a chip on his shoulder,” as ND Coach Mike Brey glowingly said after the Irish senior night victory. By Paul M. Banks And of course, Hansbrough is known for his three-point shot. He’s one of ...