College Media Network

Hansbrough more than just 'Psycho T' for short

Jesse Baumgartner, Senior Writer

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Published: Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Updated: Wednesday, July 2, 2008

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North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough celebrates after hitting the game-winning bucket in UNC's ACC Tournament victory against Virginia Tech.

Whether he likes it or not, Tyler Hansbrough has cemented his "Psycho T" image during his three years in Chapel Hill. The nickname seems to follow him everywhere, from TV broadcasts to T-shirts (albeit illegal ones). But it turns out Hansbrough has had his share of attempted nicknames, including a few unpopular ones.

"There were some things that I can't really think of, that I've told people just, 'Don't ever call me that again,'" Hansbrough said Tuesday before mentioning a few he frequently hears.

"My roommates call me bipolar sometimes, and on my recruiting visit I told Melvin Scott to call me T-Bone."

Quentin Thomas threw out "Wow," as a current one he uses because of Hansbrough's latest performances.

And then there's Wayne Ellington, who has his own take on just what name the big man should respond to.

"Some people call him Psycho T on our team, some T-Bone - I call him Teezy. I've always called him Teezy because he calls me Weezy."

Taking a beatdown

Hansbrough might have a funny nickname in Psycho T, but it's definitely well-deserved.

And there might not be any player more familiar with the Player of the Year's physicality than walk-on senior forward Surry Wood, who goes against Hansbrough every day in practice.

"Every day, day after day after day, going out there, Surry Wood and Patrick Moody have just been getting killed," coach Roy Williams said. "I mean Tyler Hansbrough and Alex Stepheson have been rat-a-tat-tatting their heads everyday."

When notified of Williams' response, Hansbrough couldn't help but agree with how he treats his teammate.

"I would say daily," he said. "Surry is definitely taking his beatings from me - and Al - he'll show you some bruises. … It's Surrey's job. He's there pushing us every day, and he definitely doesn't hold anything back himself, and he's always been good for us."

Watching from the bench

Junior Bobby Frasor has had to witness the team's Final Four run from the sideline this season after tearing his ACL earlier in the season. But his teammates say he is still a major part of the squad.

"I wish he was here with us, and I know he does more than anything. But at the same time I don't think we have to make Bobby feel like he's part of it," Hansbrough said.

"Someone mentioned (he's) like an assistant coach - in practice he's always talking, so we always know he's there. … He's definitely a part of this."

UNC's point guards are probably the players who benefit most from Frasor on the bench, where he can use his analysis to suggest potential adjustments.

"Bobby will walk up to me and tell me to run a particular play during a game, and I'll run it," Thomas said. "I listen to him because he knows what he's talking about."

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.