“The Game Was My Best Friend” tells the story of a relationship, from unrequited love to deep friendship that can last for years.
Everyone’s path to the NBA is unique. Some people recognize they have a specific aptitude on the court at a young age, while others discover it later in life. Even while he was winning several championships at Duke, NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill didn’t believe a pro career was in his future.
Hill, on the other hand, attributes his tremendous NBA career to growing up as an only kid.
Growing up, Grant Hill was a lonely kid.
Grant Hill with his father, Calvin Hill, a former Dallas Cowboys player | Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Hill spent most of his childhood in Reston, Virginia, alone since he was an only child. When he wasn’t hanging out with his pals, he was immersed in the sport of basketball, soaking in as much information as he could.
“I come from a family of only children. In a recent interview with CNBC Make It, Hill noted, “I’m accustomed to spending a lot of time alone myself.” “In 1982, my parents purchased a Betamax tape recorder, and I recorded everything.” Countless hours of tape were viewed. I studied players’ movements, footwork, and basics.”
Grant’s father, Calvin Hill, was a 12-year NFL player who passed on his outstanding athleticism to his son. Hill’s innate skill paired with his unquenchable work ethic made him a formidable opponent, but he had no intention of following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a professional athlete.
“I don’t know if I ever saw [the NBA] being a possibility,” Hill added.
Hill claims that being an only kid aided him in achieving his NBA goals.
Hill spent most of his life as an only kid by himself, although he wasn’t completely alone. He was constantly accompanied by a basketball.
“The game was like a closest buddy to me.” Hill told CNBC Make It, “It kept me company.” “No one ever had to tell me to work or study [about basketball], or to go outdoors and practice on dribbling and shooting while daydreaming.” I’m not sure whether I truly understood or appreciated it at the time, but I was a game learner.
“I was putting in some work. I was putting in my time. It was enjoyable for me. I was in desperate need of knowledge. I was dribbling in the home and dribbling the basketball on the sidewalk on my way to the shop. On the kitchen, I’d sit in a chair and drip while sitting in a chair.”
Hill became a top high school recruit and drew Mike Krzyzewski’s attention due to the amount of time he had to concentrate on his skills and learn about the sport. He was a two-time NCAA champion at Duke before going on to become a seven-time All-Star and NBA Hall of Famer.
Hill discusses what it takes to succeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p KT5CM24lg
Hill is one of the most accomplished basketball players of all time, and he believes that the key to attaining one’s life objectives is to just enjoy what one does. From there, success will follow.
“When you love something and are enthusiastic about it, it opens doors,” he said. “Some individuals simply want to be on the team, play, and have a good time. Then there are individuals that want to be the greatest of all time.
“There’s something inside of you that pushes you, pulls you along, and won’t let you settle for anything less than victory and success.”
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