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Prospect Report: Jordan Hill Of Arizona
Authored by Christopher Reina - 4th January, 2008 - 6:53 pm
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On a team with two surefire lottery picks in Jerryd Bayless and Chase Budinger, Jordan Hill has distinguished himself extraordinarily well this season, and his game is quickly catching up to his exceptional athletic gifts.

Hill is one of the best rebounders in college basketball, particularly on the offensive end. He gets into space ahead of shots to anticipate put back slams. On the defensive end, he boxes out well by feeling for his man without taking his eyes off the ball. He excels at intercepting passes due to his leaping ability and exceptional hands.

Easily the best part of his offensive game (right now) is how quickly and strongly he attacks the rim. He gathers himself and elevates in one rapid motion whether on a pass or rebound.

His confidence and array of moves with the ball has improved leaps and bounds since last season and even over the course of this year. Hill has a very nice up and under move but can also dribble into the defender before hitting a turnaround fadeaway shot.

Additionally, he has a strong dribble baby-hook move and even a little ‘Hakeem’ dribble move to the middle of the paint where he shows ball to left before turning around to shoot a 7-foot jumper.

Hill’s offensive skill set needs consistency, but he has shown enough glimpses of excellence to suggest he will eventually evolve into a serviceable player in this facet of his game on the NBA level.

His shooting form reveals that although he isn’t a lifelong basketball player, his movements are fluid and improving. He can already hit a 12-footer when his man sags providing evidence that he will improve his jumper, if for no other reason because it is obvious he thoroughly enjoys shooting it. Hill also already uses the glass from a variety of angles. Sometimes he shows the ball a little too early which allows inferior defenders to block his shot.

The offense is decidedly better when he touches the ball and while less than graceful, he is actually an above average passer.

Without the ball, he positions himself well in Kevin O’Neill’s halfcourt sets. Hill posts up aggressively and is aware of spacing. He gets his body extremely wide on screens to free up Budinger and Bayless.

Defensively, he is very quick and physical and is a highly talented shotblocker both on ball and off. He doesn’t allow many easy shots and takes charges in the halfcourt while keeping his hands up to block/affect the shot.

Hill does have a bit of a balance problem with his defensive stance which is part of the reason why he is foul prone. His head gets too far out ahead of his feet instead of emphasizing bending his knees and keeping his upper body more upright. Another reason why he is foul prone is actually because he’s simply so active and has a great motor. He uses his long arms to deflect and affect the passing lanes.

Hill has enough talent and upside to merit a first round selection in the 2008 draft, but he could become a lottery pick in 2009 if he spends one more season at Arizona. His open floor dribble is atrocious, and he still makes boneheaded passes and double-dribbles - mistakes he can learn to reduce in the warm comforts of Tucson.
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