Mississippi State's Ben Hansbrough transferring to Notre Dame

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Ben Hansbrough, who helped Mississippi State advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament last month, is transferring to Notre Dame.

The 6-foot-3 guard started 28 of Mississippi State's 34 games and was fourth on the team with a 10.5 scoring average. Hansbrough is the younger brother of AP Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, a forward for North Carolina.

The younger Hansbrough said he chose the Fighting Irish over Purdue and Oklahoma State.

"They have a great style that I feel I can flourish in," he said by phone Tuesday from Starkville, Miss., where he prepared for his last two finals. "They have a great team and it's a great school."

Hansbrough announced earlier this month that he would not return for his junior season at Mississippi State. He said Tuesday he decided to leave because "it wasn't the best fit for me."

After sitting out a year at Notre Dame, Hansbrough would be allowed to play in the 2009-10 season and have two seasons of eligibility. He could fill the void left by Kyle McAlarney, who has one year of eligibility left with the Irish.

Hansbrough said he informed Irish coach Mike Brey of his decision Monday night. It was first reported by the South Bend Tribune.

"I absolutely love the way they play," he said. "He (Brey) lets his players get up and down and play."