(photo via Project Spurs)
Pacers fans are dying to see George Hill debut in blue and gold. But until the owners and players get over their difference and start the season, that isn’t going to happen.
That hasn’t stopped Hill from playing ball though. He recently played in two exhibition games with the Texas Fuel of the ABA, scoring 39 and 30 points. I wasn’t there, but Michael De Leon of Project Spurs was. And he spoke with Hill after the game to get his perspective both on the experience of playing and teaching some of the younger guys what it truly takes to be a professional basketball player.
Hill looked at the opportunity with the Fuel not only as a way to get in some court time, but as an opportunity to teach.
“Even both teams, I talked to them about different things I learned being a part of the San Antonio Spurs organization. Things I can help them to better their game with. That’s what its all about, everyone trying to help everybody,” Hill said. “These group of guys do the same things we do, just maybe not get the same chances.”
As for getting back on the hardwood, Hill said he had a great time, but not before apologizing for his performance first.
“I’m sorry I gave y’all a bad performance,” Hill said after we told him of our trip down from San Antonio.
Apparently in Hills eyes, averaging 34.5 points per game is a bad thing.
“It felt good, the first time I’ve been on the floor since the pro/am in Indianapolis, so a little winded,” Hill said. “I did it because I respect these guys just like I respect my guys. This is a great group of fellas, they play hard here so I had a great time out there.”
Aside from the lessons learned by being a part of the Spurs, Hill lit up when asked about the city he’s called home the last three years.
“I love it. You know, I was there for three years so they say once a Spur, always a Spur,” Hill said echoing R.C. Buford’s words after the draft-day trade that sent Hill back home to Indiana.
“I’m always going to have love for the city and the team. The fans treated me with so much respect and you couldn’t ask for anything more. Coach Pop was probably the best coach I’ve ever had in my life on and off the court, not just as a basketball coach but also as a mentor to be a better person off the court. I have high hopes for that organization and love it.”
Excellent stuff.
Now, hopefully he can get a chance to do the same for Indiana.
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Jared Wade founded 8 Points, 9 Seconds in 2009 and has written about the NBA for outlets including ESPN, Sports Illustrated,TrueHoop, Hoopspeak, Both Teams Played Hard, and Hardwood Paroxysm. Follow him on Twitter @Jared_Wade and @8pts9secs.
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