If you're hearing rumblings of a backlash about the praise heaped upon North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough, some of it likely has to do with the nature of that praise. Even one of my favorite commentators, Jay Bilas, got caught up in it on Saturday night, when Hansbrough had a magnificent game, including hitting clutch outside shots late in the second half.

Here's some of what Bilas had to say: "He's not supposed to be able to make those [shots from beyond 15 feet]. ... He's willing the ball into the basket. ... His will exceeds his skill, and his skill is considerable. ... Michael Jordan did not out-compete Tyler Hansbrough -- no way."

Now, no one would deny Hansbrough works incredibly hard on the court, but "willing the ball into the basket"? Was anybody saying Davidson's Stephen Curry -- who sure looked like he was working pretty hard on the court, too -- was putting his shots into the basket by force of his will?

Hansbrough could end up leading his team to a national title while being chosen college basketball's player of the year, so let the kudos fly. And maybe he does outwork all of his opponents.

The problem is hearing the hosannas for Hansbrough with an ear for what has come before. We're back in familiar territory here. The star white player -- no matter how clearly talented -- has somehow elevated himself through the sweat of his brow. The star black player, meanwhile, is doing amazing things on the court because his talent is carrying him.