In the summer of 1990, a young Grant Hill, then a freshman at Duke University, made a phone call that would change the course of his life. With doubts creeping in about his abilities, Hill confided in his trusted coach, Tommy Amaker, about considering alternative plans. Amaker’s response was swift and reassuring: “Are you crazy?” Those words sparked a realization in Hill – he was more than just a talented player; he was a rising star.
Hill’s humility and self-awareness set him apart from his peers. Despite his natural talent, he struggled with deep-seated insecurity, often wondering if he was good enough for Duke’s esteemed basketball team. This vulnerability would become a defining characteristic of his journey, one that would ultimately lead him to become one of the 13 men and women inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
The power of self-doubt played a significant role in shaping Hill’s approach to the game. Rather than letting his doubts consume him, he channeled them into hard work and determination. This mindset would serve him well throughout his career, as he navigated the challenges of being a student-athlete at Duke University.
Hill’s success can be attributed, in part, to the unwavering support of his mother, Janet. A trustee emerita of Duke University, Janet instilled in her son the values of integrity, hard work, and perseverance. Her words of wisdom, “Don’t fear failure,” would become a guiding principle for Hill, shaping his approach to life and basketball.
Years later, Hill returned to Duke University to deliver the 2025 Commencement Address. Before an audience of 6,900 students, he shared the lessons he learned from his mother, emphasizing the importance of living one’s values, rather than just espousing them. “Don’t be a passenger in life,” he urged the graduates. “Take the wheel, and drive your own destiny.”
Hill’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. From his days as a shy, introverted kid playing imaginary basketball games to his rise as a basketball icon, Hill’s story is one of perseverance and grit. His time at Duke University, where he played a key role in back-to-back NCAA championships, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history.
Today, Hill is a successful entrepreneur and businessman, with stakes in several major teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando City. However, his true legacy extends far beyond his business ventures. As a symbol of excellence, humility, and hard work, Hill continues to inspire a new generation of leaders and athletes.
As Jay Bilas, former Duke assistant coach, once said, Hill is “the standard for what a complete player and a complete person can and should be.” With his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and his continued influence on and off the court, Grant Hill’s legacy will endure for generations to come.
Hill’s return to Duke University for the Commencement Address was a poignant moment, one that highlighted the impact of his mother’s words on his life. He shared a personal anecdote about his mother’s set of principles, which included the phrase “Don’t be a passenger in life.” This message resonated deeply with the graduates, who are on the cusp of their own journeys.
In his address, Hill emphasized the importance of living one’s values, rather than just talking about them. “Values aren’t ideas, values are verbs,” he said. “To respect means that we give others grace, even if we disagree. To include means that we pull more chairs up to the table. We don’t fear different voices.”
Hill’s words served as a reminder to the graduates that success is not just about achieving greatness, but also about staying grounded and humble. He warned that success without gratitude can make us too comfortable, and success without fortitude can make us corruptible. As the graduates embark on their own paths, Hill’s message will undoubtedly resonate with them. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and humility. With his continued influence on and off the court, Grant Hill’s impact will be felt for generations to come.
