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Sorry it's taken us a minute to get to this, but Ben Hansbrough committed to transfer to Notre Dame late Monday evening.
Due to NCAA rules, he'll have to sit out the 2008-09 season but will be eligible in 2009-10 to play for the Irish. This is critical as Notre Dame loses four starters, including guard Kyle McAlarney, from next year's squad.
Notre Dame coach Mike Brey, who is on the road recruiting, is also unable to comment on Hansbrough's transfer.
But Hansbrough, the younger brother of North Carolina senior and national Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, can comment. So here's what he's got to say:
"The teammates," Hansbrough told Insights early Tuesday afternoon. "The teammates really attracted me to Notre Dame. And their style of play."
Most guards would like the run-and-gun, shooting-happy offensive style employed by Brey, who led the Irish to a 25-8 record in 2007-08 and the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Hansbrough said he didn't immediately mesh with Notre Dame's players, but once he felt comfortable in the atmosphere, everything clicked. Combine that with the academic reputation of Notre Dame -- it's stronger than his old school, Mississippi State -- and it sold the 6-foot-3, 205-pound guard.
"My family is big on academics," Hansbrough said. "My dad's a doctor, grandpa's a doctor, aunt's a lawyer. So they liked that situation and they liked the basketball situation.
"It's a good opportunity for basketball and academics."
Hansbrough is currently finishing up his last semester at Mississippi State and will be on the South Bend campus June 20 to begin summer workouts.
