Published: June 26, 2009 05:36 pm      

Pacers pick Hansbrough

INDIANAPOLIS — Leading up to Thursday’s NBA Draft, it was no secret that Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird wanted a four-year college player.

He got two.

With the 13th overall pick, Bird selected Tyler Hansbrough, a four-time All-American and former national Player of the Year at the University of North Carolina.

In the second round, the Pacers took former Connecticut guard A.J. Price 52nd overall.

Hansbrough’s selection was met with mixed reaction at Conseco Fieldhouse, but Bird was convinced that the polarizing player was the right pick.

“Not everybody’s going to be happy with who you take,” Bird said. “But once they see him play, they’ll be very surprised. He’s very intense and has a great work ethic.”

Hansbrough leaves UNC with career averages of 20.2 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game. He graduated as the leading scorer in school and Atlantic Coast Conference history, and led the Tar Heels to two Final Fours and the 2009 National Championship.

Bird said it’s no mistake the Pacers now have three players who’ve won NCAA national championships — Hansbrough, Brandon Rush (Kansas, 2008), and Mike Dunleavy (Duke, 2001).

“They are winners, in a big way,” Bird said. “I wish I had (UNC guard) Ty Lawson too, but I can’t have them all. We’re trying to build a winning environment with winning players.”

About an hour after being drafted, Hansbrough spoke from New York to local reporters via speakerphone.

He addressed his sharpest criticism — that his college skills won’t translate well into the NBA.

“There’s nothing to it but to just go and prove some people wrong,” Hansbrough said. “People didn’t think I was going to be a very good college player, and I was successful in college. I’m ready to help out the Pacers.”

Price leaves Connecticut with career averages of 12.9 points per game and 4.7 assists per game.

He was named first-team All-Big East as a junior and made the second team as a senior last season.

The Pacers’ night ended without a trade, but the team was in active discussions up until it went on the clock.

Bird said the Pacers attempted to move down from the No. 13 spot to acquire multiple first-round picks, but a proposed deal fell through at the last minute. He also said four teams inquired about Hansbrough minutes after the Pacers selected him.

“I spent all day talking to a lot of different teams,” Bird said. “Tonight, we’re done. But on July 1 all the trading starts and free agency, I think we’ll do well there too.”