Gene’s three sons

What father isn’t proud of their sons? If you’re Gene Hansbrough, you have to be rendered speechless at what they have accomplished.

Gene graduated Poplar Bluff High School in 1970. During his time as a Mule, he earned four varsity letters in track and basketball. Gene set the school high jump record of 6’ 7 ¼.”

When he attended the University of Missouri, Gene was recognized as the Big 8 Conference high jump champion with a 6’ 10” leap. He later set the school indoor record of 7’3”. Gene graduated in 1974.

He went on to become an orthopedic surgeon. Gene married the 1978 Miss Missouri Tami Fister. Together, they raised three sons: Greg, Tyler and Ben. Their sons followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming all star athletes.

Their oldest son, Greg Hansbrough, graduated Poplar Bluff High School in 2002. Like his father, he excelled in athletics. Greg was the captain of the cross-country team earning varsity letters in track and basketball. He also attended the University of Missouri and competed in three marathons and 13 half-marathons. Greg ultimately graduated from the University of North Carolina.

Their middle son, Tyler Hansbrough, was 6’9” and played basketball for Poplar Bluff High School. He led the Mules to back-to-back state championships in 2003 and 2004.

Tyler went to the University of North Carolina to play basketball for the Tarheels. He was named as the Atlantic Coast Conference (AAC) Rookie of the Year for 2006. He was the first player in history to be named AAC First Team All American for four years in a row.

In 2008, he was named the AAC Player of the Year, including the cover of Sports Illustrated. In 2009, Tyler led the Tarheels to the national championship. After graduation, Tyler was drafted by the Indiana Pacers. He played in the NBA for seven years with the Pacers, Toronto Raptors and the Charlette Hornets.

Their youngest son, Ben Hansbrough, also played on the Poplar Bluff High School state championship team with his brother Tyler.

After graduation, Ben played basketball for Mississippi State University and Notre Dame. In his final season, he averaged 18 points a game.

Ben was selected for the All Big 8 Team and named Player of the Year for 2010 and 2011. He was also selected for the All American Second Team.

Ben began his NBA career playing for the Indiana Pacers with his brother Tyler, and later with the Chicago Bulls.

Just like the legendary Moss brothers of the 1960s and 1970s, the Hansbrough family has made Poplar Bluff famous. They have not only set local records but made their mark on the national sports scene.

The Hansbrough legacy is proudly displayed in a special exhibit of the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame. Photographs, posters, jerseys, autographed balls, and press clippings from Gene, Greg, Tyler and Ben are on display. Even Tyler’s giant shoes can be seen.

Gene Hansbrough was inducted into the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame in 1996 and Tyler was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

Poplar Bluff High School honored the brothers by naming their gymnasium “Hansbrough Gym.”

The Sports Hall of Fame is located in the Poplar Bluff Museum. The museum is handicap accessible and open from 1-4 p.m. every Sunday free of charge at 1010 Main St., Poplar Bluff (Formerly the Old Mark Twain School). Tell them Mike sent you!

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.