Solomon Hill has found his spot in the NBA with most of his college career firmly residing in the rear view mirror of his life. I say mostly, as when we conversed lately, the Arizona graduate was candid about his March Madness experiences—and the one that got away.
“We had a shot to get to the Final Four in 2011 and came up just a bit short,” Hill lamented in the Pacers locker room, following a recent loss to the New Jersey Nets. Arizona bowed out of the tournament by a basket in the Regional Final to National Champion Connecticut in a spirited battle. That is something Hill reflects on each year at tournament time.
“We had a great team and really felt we could win the National Championship, and while losing anytime hurts, that one really did,” he said. Hill said he remains close to the Arizona program and likes their chances this year.
“Obviously my focus is on making the playoffs here in the NBA, but I will be keeping an eye on my guys,” added Hill with a smile. “Those guys are special and I want them to succeed as they represent Arizona.”
Notes: While it had been an up and down season for the Pacers, Hill has been steady averaging just under 10 points per game to go along with four rebounds.
The Pacers continue to hover around the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They have plenty of company in the form of Boston, Brooklyn and Charlotte and the race will undoubtedly go down to the final week of the season.
At presstime, rumors surrounding the return of Paul George continue to swirl with reports it will happen soon. If I am Larry Bird, this will not happen. Allowing George to fully heal and rehab is far more important than playing 10 minutes a night in what amounts to meaningless games that may or may not be linked to the final playoff spot. Risking injury in that scenario seems beyond senseless.
Danny Bridges, who found Solomon Hill to be an articulate and interesting young man, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
