Hansbrough out and other news

North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough is out for an indefinite period of time after sustaining a shin injury. The injury appears to be stress-related, according to ESPN.com's report.

ESPN.com's Andy Katz does a nice job (as always) of analyzing the sitch down in Chapel Hill. Gary Parrish at CBS Sports labels North Carolina's upcoming season as the "national title limp."

No one really knows when Hansbrough will return, but his injury, paired with Marcus Ginyard's foot problems, hits UNC hard before the season even starts. Don't count 'em out, though. Like I said the other day, the Heels have a sick recruiting class that includes a pair of big-time paint players in Ed Davis and Tyler Zeller. But, as Katz points out, the duo may have to play more than UNC originally anticipated. Also, they both look like they need to add some weight.

Elsewhere
-- It seems like Rick Pitino warned everyone of his team's impending shaky start to the 08-09 season. As usual, the godfather of basketball was right. But don't be fooled by the Cardinals' opponent. This wasn't a rare Big East game to open the season. The final score of Saturday's preseason exhibition game: Louisville 74, Georgetown 67. That's Georgetown College from Georgetown, Ky., about an hour east of Louisville.

Scariest part of it all? Look at this stat line ...

Rebounding: Georgetown 46, Louisville 39

Louisville shot 39 percent and 33 of 50 from the charity stripe

Oh, and the 'Ville committed 18 turnovers

Icing on the cake? Georgetown led, 51-50, with nine minutes to play.

-- A little somethin' for the ladies.

-- Very little difference from the coaches' poll, but AP has Pitt at No. 5.

-- And the Panthers get ready for Seton Hill and Game No. 1 of the 08-09 campaign. The Mighty Griffins won't back down. Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m. at the Pete.

Parting thought: It's Big East beasts against West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's finest. Big Fella vs. That Guy. Sam Young against What's His Name. Jamie Dixon takes on Who? Pitt. Seton Hill. NEXT.