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.
âWhere it ranks⊠I think it has to be top-five,â Hill said of graduating, referring to his lifeâs achievements. âHaving my son and daughter is probably number one. You know, thatâs 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.
âI think itâs just good,â Hill continued. âNot just for me, but also for the university, for other graduates to see that it doesnât matter how long it takes you (to graduate). Itâs not about how long it took me. Itâs about finishing the job.â
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?
âItâs definitely hard,â Hill said. âThere 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 â 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 donât think anything was going to stop me.â
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 Saturdayâs ceremony.
âTrust your gut,â Hill said during his graduation speech. âBuild your dream team. Donât 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.â
.@George_Hill3âs advice for the Class of 2018: âTrust your gut. Build your dream team. Donât 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.â #iupuigrad18 pic.twitter.com/x5L1NsC1Gz
â IUPUI (@IUPUI) May 12, 2018