Grant Hill (Part 1)

Grant Hill's illustrious basketball career, both as a player and an executive, has left an indelible mark on the sports world.
During his time at Duke University, Hill established himself as one of the greatest college basketball players ever, earning accolades such as the 1994 ACC Player of the Year, two-time NCAA All-American, and two-time NCAA champion. His impact on the Duke Blue Devils program remains significant to this day.
Upon entering the NBA, Hill continued to shine, starting with his selection by the Detroit Pistons as the third overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft. He immediately made his mark, sharing the 1995 NBA Rookie of the Year Award with Jason Kidd. Hill's early NBA career was characterized by his versatility and skill, as he consistently led his team in points, rebounds, and assists.


However, a debilitating ankle injury in 2000 altered the course of Hill's career. Despite facing numerous setbacks and enduring life-threatening complications from surgery in 2003, Hill displayed resilience and determination. He managed to return to the court and earned an Eastern Conference All-Star Team selection with the Orlando Magic in 2005 and reached the Western Conference Finals with the Phoenix Suns in 2010.
In 2013, after a 19-year career, Hill announced his retirement from the NBA. Despite the challenges posed by injuries, he remained a highly respected figure in the basketball world, known for his sportsmanship and professionalism.


Transitioning to the realm of sports ownership and broadcasting, Hill's influence continued to grow. He became a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks in 2015, contributing to the team's operations and success. Additionally, his involvement in MLS club Orlando City and NWSL club Orlando Pride underscores his commitment to advancing sports beyond basketball.
Throughout his career, both on and off the court, Grant Hill has exemplified excellence, leadership, and dedication, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of sports.


Grant Hill's decision to attend Duke University marked the beginning of a legendary collegiate basketball career that solidified his status as one of the greatest players of his era.
Despite initial preferences from his parents for other universities, Hill ultimately chose Duke, where he played four remarkable years with the Blue Devils. During his tenure, Duke achieved unprecedented success, winning back-to-back national titles in 1991 and 1992, a feat not accomplished since UCLA's dominance in the 1960s and 1970s.
Hill's leadership and skill were instrumental in Duke's achievements, earning him accolades such as the ACC Player of the Year in 1994 and the Henry Iba Corinthian Award for the nation's top defensive player in 1993. His versatility on the court was unparalleled, as he became the first player in ACC history to amass over 1,900 points, 700 rebounds, 400 assists, 200 steals, and 100 blocked shots.


One of the most memorable moments of Hill's college career came in the 1992 NCAA tournament regional final against Kentucky. In a game hailed as one of the greatest in college basketball history, Hill's pivotal role in the "Hail Mary" play, where he made a remarkable inbound pass to Christian Laettner for the game-winning shot, showcased his clutch performance under pressure.
Hill's impact extended beyond the court, as evidenced by his induction into the Duke Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. His legacy at Duke University remains unparalleled, with many considering him among the greatest players in the school's storied basketball history.
Furthermore, Hill's inclusion in the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team underscores his lasting impact and influence on the sport, solidifying his place as one of the premier talents to emerge from the collegiate ranks.


Grant Hill's impact on the NBA was immediate and profound, establishing himself as one of the league's premier talents from the outset of his career.
Selected by the Detroit Pistons with the third overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft, Hill wasted no time making his mark in the league. In his rookie season, he displayed remarkable versatility, averaging 19.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.77 steals per game. His exceptional performance earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, sharing the honor with Jason Kidd, and he became the first Piston since Dave Bing to achieve this feat.
Throughout his early years in the NBA, Hill's excellence on the court was consistently recognized. He was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1997 and received All-NBA Second Team honors multiple times. Hill's impact extended beyond individual accolades, as he led the league in triple-doubles during the 1995–96 season and showcased his leadership by guiding the Pistons' offense as a "point forward."


Despite his individual success, Hill's tenure with the Pistons was marred by postseason disappointments and injuries, particularly a debilitating ankle injury that plagued him for years. Despite his ankle issues, Hill's statistical achievements remained remarkable, with his early-career numbers placing him in esteemed company alongside legends like Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, and LeBron James.
Hill's contributions to the game extended beyond his on-court performances. He was known for his sportsmanship and professionalism, earning the NBA Sportsmanship Award multiple times. Additionally, his impact transcended basketball, as he represented the United States in international competitions, including winning a gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
While injuries may have hindered Hill's career longevity and postseason success, his impact on the NBA and his legacy as one of the game's most versatile and talented players remain indelible.

References

1.  orlandocitysc. "Orlando Icons Tamia and Grant Hill Join Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride Ownership Group | Orlando City". orlandocitysc. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
2. ^ "Hill Scorned Georgetown for Duke after recruiting offense". Greensboro News & Record. December 16, 1994. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
3. ^ Wojciechowski, Gene (April 5, 1994). "The Razorbacks finish on top after a dramatic seesaw battle with Duke for the NCAA championship". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
4. ^ Welborn, John (March 14, 1994). "Duke's Hill named ACC Player of the Year". Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
5. ^ "U.S. Calls on Reserves for PAN AM Games". The Washington Post. August 19, 1991. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
6. ^ "25th Anniversary: Duke Wins 1992 National Title". Duke University. April 6, 2017. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
7. ^ "Duke Sports Hall of Fame – Grant Hill". Duke Blue Devils. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
8. ^ Brodess, Doug (October 24, 2011). "Duke Basketball: Top 10 Blue Devils of All Time". Bleacher Report. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
9. ^ "ACC 50th Anniversary Men's Basketball Team". TheACC.com. Atlantic Coast Conference. November 7, 2008. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
10. ^ "1994 NBA Draft". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
11. ^ Sibor, Doug (August 14, 2013). "The 25 Most Versatile Players in NBA History". Complex. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
12. ^ "NBA Rookie of the Year Award Winners". NBA.com. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
13. ^ "Hill's record 1,289,585 votes will go down in all-star history. (Originated from Knight-Ridder Newspapers)". Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. January 26, 1995.
14. ^ Schmuck, Peter (August 4, 1996). "Dream Team completes its mission in 95–69 final Up only five at half, American all-stars surge late to trounce Yugoslavs; ATLANTA OLYMPICS". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
15. ^ "Grant Hill: Ankle Nightmare Would Have Been Avoided With Knicks". CBS New York. March 17, 2014. Retrieved April 7, 2022.