Sometimes Nice Guys Do Finish First!!

Congratulations Tyler Hansbrough.
Although I do not know you personally and to be quite honest, have not even followed your career that closely, you should be very proud of yourself and your accomplishments. AND oh, by the way, congratulations on your basketball feats as well.

Tyler, you are a perfect example of what collegiate athletics and sports in general are all about. You have dedicated yourself to doing things the right way and have won me, and no doubt, countless others with the way you conduct your life. You returned to North Carolina, for your Senior season when you could have simply left for the millions of dollars that await you in the NBA. You made a commitment to the university, your coaches, your teammates and yourself and you stuck with it. In addition, you displayed the discipline to improve yourself every single day. You were in the gym, basketball court and work out room, seemingly every day and your work ethic was tireless. On the court, you displayed the hustle that every coach and any fan of sports love to see, you played every single play as if the game hung in the balance and I never saw one time where you ever took a play off.

As if all those things were not enough, you illustrated the demeanor, respect and public perception that will make you successful no matter what path your life happens to lead you. As a parent, I can honestly say to my kids that you are the poster boy for how an athlete should be.

AND you FINISHED FIRST.

Congratulations again Tyler to you and the University of North Carolina. I especially congratulate your parents for raising such an outstanding young man.