UNC's Hansbrough To Debut Friday Vs. UC-Santa Barbara

November 21, 2008 9:50 p.m. EST

Santa Barbara, CA (AHN) - College basketball's top player, UNC forward Tyler Hansbrough, will make his season debut tonight as the Tar Heels take on UC Santa Barbara in California.

Hansbrough suffered a stress reaction in his right shin during preseason practice, knocking him out of game action thus far.

ESPN reported the update on Hansbrough's playing status Friday night during the Duke-Michigan contest.

The standout forward hoped to see action vs. the Gauchos when he was asked about his condition earlier this week.

"I'd like to be on the court Friday," Hansbrough told ESPN.com, "I hope I'm ready to go."

Hansbrough garnered national player of the year honors last season, averaging 22.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game