Grant Hill’s Journey: From Injury to Olympic Success

Durham, North Carolina – Grant Hill, one of Duke University‘s most celebrated basketball players, overcame significant injuries to achieve greatness off the court. This weekend, he returns to Duke as the commencement speaker, offering insights from his remarkable journey.

Hill, known for his exceptional skills on the court, was poised for a legendary NBA career. However, an ankle injury in 2000 altered his path. Despite several surgeries, he faced setbacks, including a life-threatening MRSA infection after a procedure in 2003.

Critics labeled him as injury-prone, but Hill’s tenacity and resilience earned him respect throughout the basketball community. Instead of succumbing to his challenges, he adapted and built a 19-year career that many thought was unattainable in the early 2000s.

Throughout his post-playing career, Hill has diversified his interests. He is involved in real estate, co-owns the Atlanta Hawks, and has stakes in various soccer teams. Additionally, he serves as a basketball analyst for CBS and played a crucial role in assembling the 2024 U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, which secured a gold medal.

This weekend, during Duke’s commencement ceremony, Hill is expected to share lessons of perseverance and determination, reflecting on how he navigated obstacles to achieve success in multiple fields.