Earlier this week, the Texas Legends created a palpable buzz throughout the NBA’s D-League, as they signed former UNC star P.J. Hairston. A premier three-point shooter that many project as a future NBA first-round draft pick, there is little doubt that Hairston will make a very good Legends team into an even better one.
Believe the Hype
Even a casual follower of last year’s NCAA Tournament is likely familiar with the accomplishments of P.J. Hairston. When it comes to the hype surrounding him, you had best believe it is not unwarranted.
P.J. Hairston was the University of North Carolina’s leading scorer during his sophomore season. He averaged 14.6 ppg for the Tar Heels during that 2012-2013 campaign, and was third on the team in rebounds, averaging 4.3 per game.
The 21-year-old Hairston is on the large size for a guard, at 6’6” tall, but don’t let his stature fool you, as he can run the point with the best of them, and is just as dangerous from beyond the arc as he is in the paint. In 25 of his final 32 games last season, Hairston connected from three-point land in 33 consecutive games. When fouled, he makes the opposition pay as he knocks down free throws at an 80% clip.
The NBA’s D-League will present a challenge for Hairston. However, throughout his career he has earned a reputation for rising to the occasion. During last year’s NCAA Tournament, Hairston was instrumental in the Tar Heel’s earning an eighth seed berth. During their first round win over Villanova, he torched the Wildcats for 23 points, shot 62% from the three-point line, and nabbed five rebounds.
Although UNC would be knocked out of the bracket in their next game against No. 1 seed Kansas, Hairston netted a career-high nine rebounds while leading UNC in scoring with 15 points.
Future NBA star?
Hairston is not eligible to be called up by the Dallas Mavericks this season. However, since he is now an official member of the NBADL, he is automatically eligible for the 2014 NBA Draft this June.
Should Hairston show that he has next level hoops skills, his draft status should do nothing but improve. If he can hold his own in the D-League, there is no reason to think that he can’t be a first round pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
There is little doubt that P.J. Hairston’s future is going to be a bright one. And the fact that he is now in the D-League, means the future is very bright for the Texas Legends as well.
Who knows, Hairston might just be that missing piece the Legends need to not only make some noise in the postseason, but to possibly secure their first NBADL Championship.
Texas Legends return to Frisco this Saturday, January 18
You don’t want to miss P.J. Hairston’s home debut this Saturday, as the Texas Legends take on the Austin Toros at Frisco’s Dr. Pepper Arena. Tickets will be going fast, so be sure to order yours now. But if you can’t make it the friendly confines this Saturday, fear not, as all of the Legends D-League action is available live via their official YouTube channel.
