Rooney this season, but he could have one in a WWE ring a

TORONTO - A week ago Masai Ujiri stood in front of local media, while addressing the highly anticipated trade of Andrea Bargnani, and promised a change in culture. No longer would the Raptors be called "soft" or "pushovers" he proclaimed. The addition of high-energy forward Tyler Hansbrough, made official on Monday, figures to go a long way in delivering on that promise. "I think I can bring a lot of toughness to the team, a lot of hard work and effort," said Hansbrough, who was introduced at the Air Canada Centre after signing a multi-year deal to join the Raptors. "I bring some leadership, just [in] the way I approach the game and hopefully itll rub off." At 27, Hansbrough is a young veteran in the NBA -- having spent his first four seasons with the Pacers -- but is slated to become one of the elder statesmen on a Toronto team that featured eight players under 26-years-old last season. Hansbrough, drafted 13th overall out of North Carolina in 2009, describes himself as a quiet leader, more of the lead by example type, but thats exactly the sort of influence Ujiri is hoping the former Pacer has on his new teammates. "He plays under control but hes tough," said Ujiri. "Hes going to knock you down. I think we need a little bit of that and were excited to have him." Hansbrough comes to Toronto with the reputation of a hard-nosed defender and a workhorse on the boards. The type of player who takes pride in getting under the opponents skin, whether hes willing to admit to it or not. A soldier everyone wants to go to war with but no one wants to battle against. Among other things, the former Tar Heel specializes in keeping the ball alive and fighting for extra possessions, something the Raptors could have used more of in 2012-13. Hansbrough was 17th in offensive rebounds per 36 minutes (minimum 800 total minutes played) last year, a category the Raptors struggled in, finishing seventh from the bottom. "Its something Ive done my whole life," Hansbrough said. "Its part of my game. Obviously I am gritty, I bring a lot of toughness but I can do more than just bring that." Certain areas of his offensive game have developed, as Ujiri pointed out on Monday, but in many ways hes still limited with the ball in his hands. Hansbrough averaged a career-low 7.0 points in fewer than 17 minutes per contest with the Pacers last year. One area in which he excels is getting to the free-throw line. He was fifth in attempts per 36 minutes last season, ranking just below the likes of James Harden, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant and Kevin Love. In terms of the culture change, Hansbrough wont have to go at it alone, joining a frontcourt rotation that already consists of the similarly energetic Amir Johnson in addition to sophomores Jonas Valanciunas and Quincy Acy. Although Johnson and Valanciunas have both proven capable of stepping out and knocking down the mid-range jumper, spacing the floor may be a challenge with any combination of that group on the floor together (Note: Dwane Casey could opt for a smaller lineup on occasion, moving Rudy Gay, Landry Fields or the newly acquired Steve Novak to the four). One thing is for certain, this group -- paced by a young and enthusiastic frontcourt -- will not be lacking in effort or competitive spirit, a refreshingly positive problem for Casey to have when hes eventually tasked with divvying up playing time. "I think Coach [Casey] was very excited about Tyler," Ujiri said confidently. "Thats how coaches are. You bring [in] players that play the way they want to play and theyre excited." Meanwhile, Hansbrough defused the idea of a pre-existing rivalry with Valanciunas after he committed a hard foul that sent the Raptors rookie to the floor, landing on his previously injured hand back in February. "I dont really remember that play until everyone started mentioning it to me," he explained. "It wasnt a big deal its just sometimes the way I play. Im sure well talk about it and probably laugh, hopefully. It just happened." Both Hansbrough and Valanciunas were in attendance, with nine other Raptors players, when the team went out for dinner last week in Las Vegas. Most of the team has been in Vegas, with Valanciunas, Acy and Terrence Ross competing in the Summer League while several others are training together in player-organized workouts, getting a head start before training camp opens in a couple months. "Im big on that and I think Coach Casey is big on that too," Ujiri said of his teams offseason bonding. "Bringing guys together and you start building a bond and understanding each other a little bit. I think last week was good for us." "[It] was very good for the team and for [the] guys to just be around each other and have a feel and have a sense of excitement even. You can get pumped up." Point guard situation still in flux Although the club is expected to add some depth in the backcourt with the addition of point guard Dwight Buycks, as reported last week, the deal has yet to be finalized. Buycks is with the Raptors Summer League team in Vegas and is hoping to play in this coming weeks game and playoffs once the signing is made official. The signing of Julyan Stone has been put on hold, at least for now, as the former Nuggets guard continues to rehab a couple of nagging injuries. Stone underwent hip surgery last year and battled a knee injury upon returning to the Nuggets lineup in January. He appeared in just four regular season games and two playoff contests with Denver in 2012-13. Ujiri did not rule out adding the 24-year-old when and if hes healthy enough to pass his physical but said hell have to go through at least a month of additional rehab before a possible signing will be revisited. Amnesty decision on the way The Raptors have not yet decided whether or not to use their lone amnesty clause, according to Ujiri. Toronto is currently projected to be over the NBAs salary cap in 2013-14 but could avoid the luxury tax penalty by using the amnesty provision on the final year of Linas Kleizas contract. Kleiza played just 20 games last year and will make $4.6 million next season. Ujiri will continue to weigh his options and make a decision closer to Tuesdays amnesty deadline. Marshall Faulk Youth Jersey . Only three players drafted by NHL clubs were included on the Czech selection camp roster on Wednesday. Those players were Dallas Stars 2012 first-rounder Radek Faksa, Winnipeg Jets 2013 fourth-rounder Jan Kostalek and Phoenix Coyotes 2012 seventh-rounder Marek Langhamer. Bobby Evans Jersey . JOHNS, N. http://www.ramsrookiestore.com/Rams-Todd-Gurley-Jersey/ . The Dutchmans tenure got off to a poor start when referee Guido Winkmann awarded a penalty within two minutes for Niklas Starks clumsy challenge on Alexandru Maxim. Cory Littleton Youth Jersey . Down by seven with 90 seconds left in regulation, thats where they looked comfortable. Cooper Kupp Jersey . -- Playing time has been limited for Maxim Tissot this season, so the Montreal Impact defender made the most of his first scoring opportunity on Saturday.There may still be plenty of battles to come on the pitch for Wayne Rooney this season, but he could have one in a WWE ring after Sheamus called him out on Soccer AM. Rooney is no stranger to WWE after slapping British wrestler King Barrett at WWE Raw in Manchester last November. Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney didnt take too kindle to King Barrett WWE Raw in Manchester last November And now Celtic Warrior Sheamus has called out the England captain ahead of the WWE Live Wrestlemania Revenge tour in Manchester on April 19.ddddddddddddsked about what move he would use on Rooney, Sheamus remained coy: There are plenty of moves. Im not going to give it away now because I want everyone to come to the show in Manchester to see it!Watch WWE superstar Sheamus call out England captain Wayne Rooney in the video above! Also See: Soccer AM The FantasyFC Sunday Supplement Goals on Sunday ' ' '