Name: Grant Henry Hill
Birthdate: October 5, 1972
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
High School: South Lakes High School
College: Duke University, BA History(94)
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 225 lb.
Position: Small Forward
NBA Team: Detroit Pistons (First round, third pick in 1994 Draft Pick)
Grant is our role model
Grant Hill tends to have that effect on people. At 24, an NBA all-star, and a poised, articulate handsome young man, you would expect that. But with Grant, it's more than just his success that people are interested in. In the era of in-your-face, Grant Hill is a refreshing change, and people have noticed that by making him the leading vote-getter in the All-Star game as a rookie and again during his second and third season.
"Even if I weren't playing basketball, I'd still want to be a role model"
Grant Hill has come along at a crucial juncture for the NBA: at a time when many players treat fans, and perhaps worse, the game itself, with contempt, Hill has connected with fans young and old. But clearly, he takes his responsibilities to youngsters seriously, and they, in return, idolize him, and take seriously his message of character and decency.
Impact Player
Grant Hill does it all for the Detroit Pistons. The leader of a young and improving team, he consistently performs at a level reserved for the true superstars of the NBA. He possesses the ball handling ability and vision of a point guard and the post-up-moves of a power forward, packaged in a 6-foot-8, 225 pound frame. Grant's versatility causes match-up problems for most every team he faces in the NBA.
As a result, Grant has quickly become one of the most exciting and well-liked players in the league. For the past two seasons he has led all NBA players--including Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson and Shaquille O'Neal--in All-Stars votes. In 1995 he was named a member of Dream Team III, representing Team USA at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. And this year, Grant also named as the member of Dream Team IV. The selection is a tribute to Grant's commitment to excellence and improvement, both on and off the court.
Mom And Dad
As incredible as Grant's basketball achievements have been, he has gained universal respect for his class and humility off the court. Credit his marvelous attitude and kindness to his parents, Calvin and Janet Hill. Calvin was a star running back with the Dallas Cowboys and graduated from Yale University. Janet graduated from Wellesley College and runs a Capitol Hill consulting agency. Grant credits his parents for acting positive role models throughout his life.
It's no wonder, then, that Grant has eagerly accepted his role as a role model for kids, when many other players shun the idea. Aside from his parents, Grant's role models are such as Auther Ashe and Julius Erving. Grant is currently working with his shoe and apparel company, Fila, in a three-year summer basketball and academics program to benefit students in Detroit, ages 8-16.
