Hansbrough says Kenny George will be missed in Sunday night’s UNCA-UNC game

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Good story by the Raleigh News & Observer:

CHAPEL HILL – There will be a big void for UNC-Asheville when it plays top-ranked North Carolina this evening.

One that Tar Heel All-American Tyler Hansbrough, in particular, will miss.

Kenny George, the 7-foot-7 center who led the nation in field-goal percentage last season, was released from the hospital the week before Thanksgiving after having part of his right foot amputated as a result of an antibiotic-resistant staph infection. Bulldogs coach Eddie Biedenbach, who talks to the player frequently, said Saturday that after three months in the hospital, most of the infection has been eliminated from George’s system, and that he expects the senior to return to classes next semester and earn his degree in mass communication.

But there will be no rematch with Hansbrough today, or ever, much to everyone’s regret.

“He’s one of my favorite all-time college basketball players,” Hansbrough said. “I admire the guy. I think a lot of him, and I wish him the best, and I’ll miss playing against him.”

George made ESPN highlights last season when Hansbrough — who is 6-9, but looked downright diminutive next to the 370-pound center from Chicago — dunked over him (albeit with an extra step or two thrown in).