CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Tyler Hansbrough to Deliver Keynote Address at UNC’s New Student Convocation
Tyler Hansbrough, one of the most decorated and accomplished players in college basketball history, will return to his college home in a different spotlight this August. Hansbrough is set to deliver the keynote address at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s New Student Convocation on Sunday, August 17, inside the Dean E. Smith Center—the very arena where he etched his name into Tar Heel history.
The event marks a symbolic and sentimental moment for both Hansbrough and the Carolina community. New students will begin their journey at Carolina with wisdom and inspiration from a figure who exemplifies hard work, resilience, and school pride—values deeply rooted in UNC tradition.
“It’s a tremendous honor to return to Chapel Hill and speak to the incoming class,” Hansbrough said in a statement. “Carolina shaped who I am, both on and off the court. I’m excited to share some of what I’ve learned and hopefully inspire these students as they start their own journeys.”
Hansbrough’s legacy at UNC is unmatched. He played for the Tar Heels from 2005 to 2009 and became the first player in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history to be named First-Team All-ACC in all four seasons. He was a consensus First-Team All-American three times and won National Player of the Year honors in 2008. Known for his unmatched intensity, tireless work ethic, and emotional leadership, Hansbrough helped lead Carolina to a national championship in 2009.
Off the court, Hansbrough earned his degree from UNC and has remained active in supporting the university and its athletics programs. In recent years, he’s become a podcast host, sports analyst, and advocate for student-athletes.
Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz praised the selection of Hansbrough as this year’s speaker, calling him a “symbol of Tar Heel tenacity.”
“Tyler Hansbrough is more than just one of the greatest players in Carolina basketball history—he’s a role model for perseverance, humility, and dedication,” Guskiewicz said. “We’re thrilled to have him return to the Smith Center not as an athlete this time, but as a mentor and speaker to our newest students.”
The New Student Convocation is a signature Carolina tradition that formally welcomes incoming first-year and transfer students into the university community. The event features performances by the UNC Marching Tar Heels, messages from university leaders and student body representatives, and a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony to instill a sense of unity and purpose.
This year’s ceremony promises to be especially memorable, as students will hear directly from one of Carolina’s most iconic figures in the very place where he became a legend.
“For so many of us, Tyler Hansbrough represents what it means to be a Tar Heel,” said junior Maya Thompson, a student orientation leader. “To have him there welcoming the Class of 2029 is going to be unforgettable.”
The ceremony will be livestreamed on UNC’s official website for families and alumni around the world.
As the next generation of Tar Heels begins its journey, they’ll do so with words of encouragement and wisdom from a true Carolina great.
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