After 14 years of enrollment and 10 years of NBA service, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard George Hill graduated from IUPUI on Saturday. In an interview with IndyStar Sports, the Indianapolis native revealed how he managed to juggle his collegiate aspirations with those of his career in basketball.
“Where it ranks… I think it has to be top-five,” Hill said of graduating, referring to his life’s achievements. “Having my son and daughter is probably number one. You know, that’s a gift from God that I can enjoy every day. But, outside of that, hopefully getting married this summer will be two (on the list). This (graduating college) will probably be number three. Other than life life, this is probably the biggest.
“I think it’s just good,” Hill continued. “Not just for me, but also for the university, for other graduates to see that it doesn’t matter how long it takes you (to graduate). It’s not about how long it took me. It’s about finishing the job.”
Hill has been a solid player for quite some time, to be sure, but how has he managed to earn a degree while playing in the NBA?
“It’s definitely hard,” Hill said. “There were a lot of papers that I had to write towards the end of this year and tests that I had to take. (I was) just trying to find time in between practices and games to get those things done. I tried to cram a lot of things on my days off — you know, two or three assignments. It was tough, but I was so focused on just getting it done because I put it off for so long. I don’t think anything was going to stop me.”
Hill, now 32 years of age, was admittedly the first of his family to graduate from college. The former Broad Ripple High School standout was one of two speakers at Saturday’s ceremony.
“Trust your gut,” Hill said during his graduation speech. “Build your dream team. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Create a vision for you life. Be a leader in your own life. Give of yourself selflessly to make a positive change in another human being.”