I happened to be at Duke last year and gave a speech and had a couple of speaking engagements during homecoming. Cookie Notice During that 1996-97 season, Hill finished third in league in total win shares while averaging .223 win shares per 48 minutes. I was recently with [Jason] Kidd and we had a chance to talk and reflect on our respective careers. During his senior season he crushed the course record at Herring Run Hall of The following is a little bit about Scott Rolens chances of being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Before diving in, heres video of Hill dropping a buzzer-beater to force OT against Kobe Bryants Lakers in their second overall matchup, a game in which Hill finished with 34 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists while playing all 53 minutes. MC5, a six-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee, revs up for first album in 51 years and new tour Guitarist Wayne Kramer, who leads the new edition of the band, likens its mission to Paul Reveres. Sekou Smith is a veteran NBA reporter and NBA TV analyst. Grant also serves on the Board of Directors for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the NCAA, Campbell Soup Company, Empire State Realty Trust, and Lake Highland Preparatory School. The 10-time All-Star launched 541 home runs, plus 17 more in the postseason, and posted a ridiculous 1.372 World Series OPS during three Red Sox championship runs. Pujols is a lock in that respect, with his magical run late in '22 (including reaching the 700-homer mark) just the icing on the cake. Youre only focused on what do I need to do to get healthy, to add value to this team, what do I need to do to be competitive in my late 30s and into my 40s? Hill: Its funny, when youre in it and particularly for me post-injury, those last nine years, it seemed like it was a long career. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. And he never played a day in the Minors, going straight to the big leagues in 1973 after he was drafted by the Padres. I took one visit, one official visit, and when I came back from it I knew thats where I wanted to be. Hill: You really dont have that time when youre in the middle of it. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Steve CarltonClass of 1994Carlton, one of baseball's most decorated southpaws, won four Cy Young Awards, a pitching Triple Crown and two World Series titles. What if rather than an All-American career at Duke which included a pair of national championships and an ACC Player of the Year award, Hill began his NBA career with a relatively blank slate in the form of Hall of Fame credentials. My ballot will simply read, Grant Hill - What couldve been. 2018 Hall of Fame: How good was Grant Hill. Grant Hill is in the Hall of Fame because of the Phoenix Suns. I did some good things, I did play in the Olympics. This years list includes six first-time finalists: two-time NBA ChampionRay Allen, two-time NCAA ChampionGrant Hill, 10-time NBA All-StarJason Kidd, two-time NBA MVPSteve Nash,three-time Olympic gold medalistKatie Smithand four-time WNBA ChampionTina Thompson. And we had just bought a Betamax and the first thing we taped was that Final Four, so I watched that game so many times I know the entire call, I memorized that game and was obsessed with it. When reminiscing about Nash, well always remember the summer of 2004 as the moment the stars aligned to transform a very good, All-Star caliber point guard into a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Rickey HendersonClass of 2009"Transcendent" would be one of the few words aptly used to describe Henderson, whose 1,406 career stolen bases are a Major League record likely to never be broken. For me actually, when I retired and people start talking about where you fit and the Hall of Fame and things like that, you slow down a little bit and contemplate your basketball life, so to speak. WebBro please stop comparing short guys to tyreek hill hes a first ballot hall of famer and has Olympic track speed. A First Ballot Hall of Famer is a player who is elected to the Hall of Fame on his first appearance on the BBWAA ballot. All rights reserved, The All 22 - An Inside Look at Duke Football, Duke Mourns Passing of Hall of Famer Dick Groat, Bench to Beat Cancer Raises Over $33,000 for Cancer Patients, Blue Devils Talk NCAA Fencing, March Madness & the Super Bowl, 50 For 50 Campaign Raises $3.9M for Duke Womens Athletics, Discover the Latest Stories in GoDuke The Magazine's February 2023 Edition. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. The hoop dream was there, but it seems like its gotten bigger, if that makes sense, in the years since you were a McDonalds All-American and going along on your journey? Nolan RyanClass of 1999Ryan played a record 27 years in the Majors, pitching for the Mets, Angels, Astros and Rangers, and he is baseball's all-time leader in no-hitters (seven) and strikeouts (5,714). Cal Ripken Jr.Class of 2007Ripken was revered as the bridge between the schools of old and new. The Magic welcomed Grant with open arms, and exchanged Chucky He joined Bill Raftery and Jim Nantz to call games together throughout the tournament. Duke was the team you loved to hate, but Hill was a special talent who you just knew would be an even better pro than he was college baller. He stopped playing the what if game years ago. Jim PalmerClass of 1990Palmer became destined for greatness early on. WebErected high on a hill above the Gunpowder River Valley, Perry Hall Mansion dominated life in northeastern Baltimore County in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Robin YountClass of 1999Yount spent only a few months in the Minors before reaching the big leagues as a teenager. Grant Hill and Jason Kidd are two players that were included in the 2018 Hall of Fame class that can easily be compared to Love resume-wise. NBA.com: The environment then seems so much different than what it is for the elite high school players now. I dont know, some of these kids were born after I was healthy in Detroit, and its crazy. Regardless of where you stand on Bryant, its undeniable that hes generally viewed higher on the pecking order than Hill when it comes to pure ability between the lines. Hill: (Laughing) Exactly. Copyright 2020-2023 FutureFootballLegends.com. It wasnt all bad, if that makes sense. He spoke with NBA.com about his journey from the Washington D.C. suburbs to his college and pro days and now Springfield, where the Hall of Fame class will be enshrined Sept. 7: NBA.com: Do you look back at your basketball life, from high school to Duke to the NBA and nearly two decades in the league, and feel like it went by in a flash? I certainly wasnt thinking NBA or anything like the Hall of Fame back then, you didnt go there. Not that there should have been, but it's been pretty commonplace for a while to not see any. The 2018 Hall of Fame inductee has continued to shine since retirement. NBA.com: You said there were two moments, what was the other one? Enshrinees from the Direct Elect Committees are also recognized at the NCAA Mens Final Four and include Early African-American Pioneers, International, Contributors and Veterans. Kevon Looney's historically elite rebounding provided separation in a winner-take-all Game 7. I remember the end. 1 Draft choice in history to reach the Hall of Fame. The promise and optimism that surrounded Hill when he arrived in the league 14-years ago is gone, and even if he does win a NBA title this season, Grant will come up just short of a Hall of Fame career. There arent many people who get anointed to carry the crown of being the face of the league. John SmoltzClass of 2015Smoltz became arguably his era's most versatile pitcher. Grant Hill - Hall of Famer?A LayupDrill.com ExclusiveHall of Fame Consideration for Mr. Nice Guy. A finalist needs 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. I obviously knew about the NBA but I was still just a fan. WebGrant Hill weighed 225 lbs (102 kg) when playing. In fact, the only question surrounding his candidacy was whether the legendary Yankees shortstop would be a unanimous selection -- but he ultimately fell one vote shy of that distinction. As you might guess, big name offensive superstars get more attention than other positions. Wade BoggsClass of 2005Boggs wasn't the most athletic, didn't have the strongest arm and was never a threat on the basepaths, but during his peak, a 12-year stretch from 1985-96 during which he was an All-Star 12 times, Boggs was arguably the game's best hitter. Here's a look at every first-ballot Hall of Famer in baseball history. Ozzie SmithClass of 2002Smith's acrobatics at shortstop made him arguably the greatest at the position that requires such skill. He said he didnt compartmentalize his career while he was in the midst of it because he was working so hard to reach a certain level that he just didnt have or make the time to take a step back and really appreciate what hed accomplished. Theres a decent chance hed in the Hall of Fame, anyways. He was able to see it through. Pistons Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas sees the comparison as well and said as much back when Hill was announced as one of the members of the Class of 2018. CANTON, Ohio (WJW) The one and only Joe Thomas has officially made the Pro Football Hall of Fame vote for 2023, his first year of eligibility. Wir teilen auch Informationen ber Ihre Nutzung unserer Website mit unseren Social Media-, Werbe- und Analysepartnern. 7/2/2021 12:30:00 PM. He is the only player in MLB history to compile seven straight seasons with at least 20 homers, 100 RBIs, 100 walks and a .300 batting average. An All-American and two-time national champion at Duke, Hill continued his dominance in the early years of his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons. He only enjoyed rare flashes of the elite athleticism that marked his early years and retired on June 1, 2013. By comparison, Anthony Davis just finished his sixth season and if his career ended today, would have a 53% chance of making it based solely on this model. He was a 13-time All-Star and won five World Series with the Yankees. A typical Hall of Famer was dominant at their position during their playing career, but First Ballot Hall of Famers separated themselves into the conversation for the best of all-time. Rod CarewClass of 1991Carew split his 19-year career between the Angels and Twins -- both of which have retired his No. Thats why it matters that Grant Hill is in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. What if instead of Magic and Michael, we looked to Grant Hill, a 68 wing with point guard skills that could also go and get his. He shared Rookie of the Year honors with Jason Kidd in 1995 and was the man expected by many to serve as the superstar bridge for the league between the Michael Jordan era and whatever came next. Elected to the Duke University Board of Trustees in 2021, Hillserves on the Undergraduate Education Committee. Players who are selected into the Hall of Fame in their first eligible year are a special group. Pedro MartinezClass of 2015If it wasn't Johnson, then Martinez was the most dominating pitcher of their era. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The second reform to Hall of Fame eligibility requires coaches to have coached for 25 years and reached the minimum age of 60. And among that elite group, 58 players have been granted an even more selective honor: being named to the Hall of Fame during their first year of eligibility. He played super defense, hit for power and average and played every day. I kind of convinced myself in a way that, and maybe it was a way to protect myself if none of this [Hall of Fame] ever happened, that I didnt need that stuff because I know what I overcame and what I had to fight through just to get back and play in my final years. 1 overall pick in the 1987 Draft and perhaps one of the most touted prospects ever, "The Kid" lived up to the hype and more. He went on to play more games at first base (2,413) than any player in history, winning three Gold Glove Awards there. Willie StargellClass of 1988Stargell spent his entire 21-year career in Pittsburgh, topping 20 homers in 13 straight seasons and winning a pair of home run crowns after the Pirates moved to Three Rivers Stadium in 1971. My first memories watching Grant Hill was back in 1991, as a very young and talented member of the Duke Blue Devils. Top first-time candidate(s): Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina Pujols reunited with Molina for one last run on the 2022 Cardinals, and now the good friends just might be first-ballot Hall of Famers together in 2028. Pistons Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas sees the comparison as well and said as much back when Hill was announced as one of the members of the Class of 2018. By Evan Grant. Hill would have settled for at least a brief return to his pre-injury form. Wisconsins Joe Thomas was 33 , but he stayed at left tackle and become a first-ballot Hall of Famer. That has to be a hard thing to shake, what could have or should have been? So I sat with J-Kidd recently and one of the amazing things his career was amazing and he solidified everything he was able to accomplish with the numbers and the championship and just a stellar, long career. A subreddit dedicated to NBA news and discussion. And I think thats when it really hit me that Ive got a chance to play at a major Division I school. In order to fully appreciate his transcendent talent and ahead of his official enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame, lets examine Hills prime relative to some of the games biggest stars. Tony GwynnClass of 2007In terms of pure hitting acumen and ability, Gwynn is recognized as perhaps the greatest ever. Tarkenton was a No. You dreamed about it. With a resume that extends far beyond simply the NBA, Hills Hall of Fame candidacy was never in question. The two-time AL MVP Award winner, two-time Triple Crown winner and six-time AL batting champion also served in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for three years of his prime and later served in the Korean War. He was a stellar role player, great in every locker room he set foot in and one of the leagues best ambassadors off the court. Hill also served as his teams primary scorer, leading the Pistons in each of his first six seasons while topping out at 25.8 points per game his final season in Detroit. Wisconsins Joe Thomas was 33 , but he stayed at left tackle and become a first-ballot Hall of Famer. And hes not necessarily wrong given LeBrons penchant for racking up triple-doubles and defending multiple positions. Ken Griffey Jr.Class of 2016As the son of a successful 19-year big leaguer, the No. With a variety of college and professional experiences, both on and off the court, Grant was named Managing Director of the USA Basketball Mens National Team in 2021. 28 Apr 2023 02:49:38 If you played out Grant Hills career 100 times, theres a world that exists where Kobe or Hill dominates the debate landscape. After injuries forced him to the bullpen midway through his career, the 1996 NL Cy Young Award winner -- who twice led the NL in innings pitched -- went on to wow as Atlanta's closer for three and a half seasons, setting an NL record with 55 saves in 2002. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Ryan received 98.8 percent of the votes during his first year on the ballot. Those who want to jab McGrady's first ballot Hall of Fame selection might point out this defining moment was in a regular-season game. He only enjoyed rare flashes of the elite athleticism that marked his early years. So that was a huge confidence booster. MC5, a six-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee, revs up for first album in 51 years and new tour Guitarist Wayne Kramer, who leads the new edition of the band, likens its mission to Paul Reveres. Offensive guard Jim Parker was taken with the eighth overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, and 16 years later Parker was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After the 1999-00 season, Grant Hill and Detroit were both ready to go in a different direction. He also earned National Defensive Player of the Year, ACC Player of the Year and first-team All-American honors as a Blue Devil. Rivera is the all-time leader in saves with 652. I wanted to play with my friends but my varsity coach asked me to play and my dad told me to play, and keep in mind I started high school when I was 13 so I was young. I got to know him and follow what he was doing with his teams and his program. 8:00 AM on Jan 20, 2023 CST. Because while its been five years since he last suited up, its been damn near 20 since we last saw Grant Hill the way he was meant to be seen. Athletics WebBro please stop comparing short guys to tyreek hill hes a first ballot hall of famer and has Olympic track speed. Each member is worthy of the distinction, and adding four former members of the Phoenix Suns (Grant Hill, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, and Charlie Scott, is hugely important to our beloved franchise. It was just the second no-hitter in postseason history, after Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series. Palmer became the premier pitcher of the 1970s, compiling the most wins (186) and lowest ERA (2.58) of anyone in that decade. Missing a total of 374 games over that stretch, by the summer of 2007, Grant Hill was a shell of his former self, nowhere near the superstar he had been proclaimed as when a member of the Detroit Pistons (when he was the air apparent to air Jordan), and as far as anyone could possibly have surmised, if he had retired just then, he too never would have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Ty CobbClass of 1936Often described as the greatest hitter of all time, the ferociously competitive Cobb received the most Hall of Fame votes of the five enshrined in the inaugural ballot after winning 12 batting titles and hitting .366 in his career -- both still Major League records. I mean, particularly when youre in your late 30s, its like, wow, Ive been going at this for a while. But then you look back when you retire and now five years removed and you kind of reflect on it all, it does seem like it all went by pretty fast. Reggie JacksonClass of 1993Dubbed "Mr. October" for his postseason heroics, Jackson not only enjoyed immense personal success -- he's a 14-time All-Star, the 1973 AL MVP Award winner and a four-time home run leader -- but contributed to some stellar A's, Yankees and Angels teams, including five World Series champions and 10 first-place finishers. Micah Adams is an Assistant Managing Editor at The Sporting News. I didnt get a chance to see it through, to see what could have been. Im in Detroit and youve got Elton Brand and Shane Battier and Corey Maggette and that whole crew and Jeff Capel, Im not that far removed in terms of my age differential from those guys. Mike SchmidtClass of 1995Schmidt excelled with both his bat -- he led the NL in home runs eight times -- and his glove -- he won 10 Gold Glove Awards -- during his Hall of Fame career. And my dad had always been a fan of Dean Smith really based on a lot of what he did in the 1970s, integrating the ACC and just his stance on a lot of social issues more than just what hed done as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game. A 12-time All-Star, Winfield hit 465 home runs and is a member of the 3,000-hit club. Jones, who spent his entire 19-year career in Atlanta, was the cornerstone player in its run to a record 14 straight division titles. If you were amazed by Curry's record-setting performance on Sunday, let's just say you weren't the only one. LOS ANGELES - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today, at NBA All-StarWeekend, eight phenomenal players, three standout coaches, one exceptional referee, and one record-setting team as finalists from the North American and Womens committees to be considered for election in 2018. When the Pistons drafted him in 1994, it marked a new era in Motown, and the re-branding of a franchise. Hills best season came at the age of 24. Ive said this before, but if he and Penny Hardaway hadnt gotten hurt and had to deal with the injuries they did during their careers, the bar for imagery, in terms of the player you wanted to be like if you were 6-7 or 6-8, it would have been those two guys, Thomas said.