Bulldogs add first hoops commitment
One of the top prospects in Class of 2006 in Missouri has announced his college intentions. Ben Hansbrough, a 6-foot-4 inch, 200-pound guard from Poplar Bluff High School has given a verbal commitment to attend Mississippi State University.
"They offer a great education", commented Hansbrough, " I like the coaches a lot, I feel it is a great opportunity."
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Hansbrough commented that he had gotten to know the staff well through the recruiting process with older brother Tyler (currently at North Carolina) and further by attending their elite camp this summer. "I told the coaches what good people I thought they were, I really like the coaches a lot." A bond was formed with the coaching staff and the talented Missouri guard reached a non-binding verbal agreement with the Bulldogs. Hansbrough can make it official on November 9th.
Competing in the Southeastern Conference Hansbrough will have the opportunity to battle with high level Division I programs such as Florida, Arkansas, and Kentucky. "We feel my toughness will allow me to play in the conference", added Hansbrough. A member of the Poplar Bluff varsity for the past three seasons Hansbrough has built a reputation as a fierce competitor, an outstanding rebounding guard, and one of the hardest workers in the state.
Teaming along side older brother Tyler, Ben has helped the Mules to three trips to the MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown including back-to-back Class 5 titles. This season Poplar Bluff ended the 60-game winning streak of the Vashon Wolverines, ranked No. 1 in the nation by some publications to earn the title.
In the championship contest, Hansbrough finished with 17 points in 32 minutes, including 2-2 shooting from beyond the arc. He also pulled down 4 rebounds and dished 5 assists. On the season Hansbrough, who earned all-state honors from the MBCA as well as the Missouri sportswriters and sportscasters averaged 17 points and over 5 rebounds per contest.
A tireless worker, who pushes him self throughout the year with 6:30 AM individual workouts and weight sessions Hansbrough has been slowed this summer. "I hurt my ankle and it has slowed me, once it gets better I expect to enjoy the rest of my summer." Hansbrough competes nationally with the St. Louis Eagles.
A short list of those schools recruiting Hansbrough included Dayton, Florida State, Colorado, and Southern Illinois which had offered.
Junior stats:
17 ppg, 5 rpg, 40 3-pt, 74% FT, more than 200 assists