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Former Y. star Hansen has sights set on NBA

I'd love to see Hansen bring some much needed attitude, swagger and toughness to the Jazz.

He'd have to be better than Brevin the brick Knight....bring him on board...

Hansen is the only BYU basketball player I can think of, since Danny Ainge, that had any heart or competitive drive.

It is completely understandable that Hansen would try to hook on with an NBA team even if he were on the end of the bench. But it is a little surprising that he is looking to leave his Russian team for another Euro team if he can't make the NBA. Kudos to him and his wife for making the very best of his time in Russia (granted dual citizenship and lot's of wonderful charity work) but I guess I thought he was so established in Russia that he would either make the NBA or be on his Russian team until he retired. I'm sure there is more to the story (quality of living for his family, etc) but I was just kind of surprised at the option of another Euro team.

Emery Jackson will be the next one. He has a lot of heart like Travis and Danny Ainge. I would like to see Travis go to the Jazz team rather than keeping Brevin and some others. I do want to keep Ronnie Price.

The reason there are no Kobes in Europe is because anyone good enough to be a superstar plays in the NBA. Hansen is long shot. Those wanting him over Knight must not have seen him with the Hawks.

You mean Jackson Emery?

Seeing him with the Hawks was 4 years ago. Hansen was the last person cut for the Russian Olympic Team. He is a superstar over in Russia

Hansen won't get another NBA contract.
He did have the competitivness that most zoobs fail.

I saw Hansen play with the Hawks, and he was actually a fan favorite. When the new coach came in Hansen wasn't in his plans, so he left. After he'd been gone for a year there were a number of NBA teams with interest.

His age may be a problem now, but I think he could find a place. The Jazz have CJ miles and Brewer, so it probably won't be in Utah. Maybe a team in the east that needs some immediate help.

"He's a superstar in Russian basketball."

Wow, I think that says all you need to know about Travis Hansen and his potential in the NBA.

Poor Travis it must be hard earning millions in Russia while some fans can only dream of moving up from there drive up window slot to head teller!

Just think how much basketball has changed in the past 20-30 years. The U.S. not earning a gold medal would have been unthinkable in the past, but not any more. It's simply a matter of time, money, opportunity and the laws of probability. The cost of entrance into the sport is cheap (like soccer), so in the long run, the billions of people living outside the U.S. will eventually increasingly dominate the sport. It's really exciting for everyone. The NBA still rules! (for now anyway...)

Dick, I love your writing as always!!

Very informative. Best sports article online I've read in DN!

Thanks for paying so much attention that you're able to give such an informative response. I wonder if you can even name 10 BYU players since Ainge.

I think the decision to come back to the NBA or possibly go to a different European team would be based more on the experience and the family situation than anything else. He said the playoffs made him want to compete in the U.S. again. He said he likes the food in Spain and Greece. Not to say he doesn't like Russia, but who wouldn't want to have more experiences in other places? He's done a lot to help out in Russia and I'm sure the Hansen's charity will continue wherever they are and on whatever scale they can manage. The Jazz wouldn't be a great fit right now, but I could see him being a solid contributor on a team that needs leadership, defense (he often gets the assignment of guarding the best player of the team they face). Best of Luck Travis!

Next week can we find out what his favorite color is and what kind of music he likes? Great investigative reporting as usual, Dick. Travis would be a great fit for the Clippers or Grizzlies or, more likely, the Utah Flash.

Travis Hansen did not go to Utah Valley University. He went to Utah Valley State College, a loewr level allowing him to transfer to BYU without forfeiting a year of eligibility. I don't believe a player could now attend UVU and then transfer to BYU or Utah without losing a year.

We want you in Oklahoma City Travis! Kevin Durrant needs a wingman. You will be the Scotty Pippen to MJ.