Hoops4theSoul

Oct

5

On This Day in Basketball History — 1972

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Grant Hill is 35 Years Old Today!All in one motion, the anemic, street-fighter received his instrument, turned his head and launched a sharp note from half court. Sailing into the air, the object looked like it would land five or six rows up in the stands, more likely destined to rim around a tuba in the band section than the cold yet comforting iron goal. An affluent son took off one foot, with his short, old-school mustache overpowering the youthful flattop and uneven razor fade, and seemingly out of nowhere cupped the ball with his right hand. With momentum taking his body away from the baseline, the freshman defied the wave up against him and powered the sphere through the basket. Grown men and little boys simultaneously jumped in joy as a star was born.

– Grant Hill’s amazing dunk against Kansas University in the 1991 NCAA Championship Game

If there ever was a player who had what it took to follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan, it was Grant Hill, who is amazingly 35 years old today.

The stars were aligned for Hill to be the next closest thing to Jordan, a care keeper who would protect the integrity and sanctity of basketball in the post-MJ era following the former Chicago Bulls’ superstar’s retirement in 1999.

From the looks, personality and star power to more importantly the championship pedigree and all-around game, Hill was on the path to being one of the greatest players in NBA History.

Unfortunately for Hill, injuries took his career, and nearly his life; ultimately leaving fans to wonder what if.

by Chris Maynard, chris@hoops4thesoul.com