McDonald: George Hill: Pop's pet

[Spurs Brazil]

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/10/and-then-there.html

George Hill: Pop's pet
By Jeff McDonald on Oct 13, 09 02:44 PM

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich ambushed another player's post-practice interview following the morning's workout. Unlike his grilling of Manu Ginobili last week, Popovich stayed on the interviewee's side of the camera.

He slid an arm around this morning's victim -- George Hill -- as reporters began with this question: "Why do you think it is you've become Pop's favorite player?"

"I'm the baby, I'm the young one," Hill said, with Popovich by his side. "I always ask for him to be hard on me like he was to TP (Tony Parker). (Parker) gives me a lot of stuff for (Pop) not being as hard on me as he was on TP. I'm waiting for that."

It's true. Popovich used to treat Parker like his least-favorite dog, as a means of toughening him up. With Hill, by contrast, Popovich often appears one step away from taking him out for ice cream after the game.

"I like him a lot better than I liked Tony at the same age," Popovich said, still grinning. "That's why I'm not hard on him."

After a few more volleys, Popovich left the interview scrum, and left Hill to his own devices. The coach exited, however, on a serious note.

"Watch this guy play," Popovich said, arm still wrapped around his backup point guard's shoulders. "Watch him. Especially if you're a young one, and you want to know how to play -- my favorite player is your guy to watch."

[Spursmania]

Wow-Pop is really milking it with Hill...:lol

[TIMMYD!]

Wow-Pop is really milking it with Hill...:lol

Hope it's just his way of saying he is going to be good this year.

[DesignatedT]

im actually very happy about this. Hil > Mason & Finley... maybe this year he can finally get some quality time backing up tony and playing the combo gaurd

[slick'81]

break out year for george hill?! i hope soo

[NRHector]

Wow-Pop is really milking it with Hill...:lolBecause he knows he fucked up last season now he's trying to make it up to Hill.

[xellos88330]

Because he knows he fucked up last season now he's trying to make it up to Hill.

+1

Couldn't have said it better myself!!! :toast

[completely deck]

Pop really has some high expectations for Hill this year...And no reason not to, but he doesn't usually do this. Look at the "support" he's given Blair (it's non existent)

[Gino2882]

Really good to hear. George Hill has really become a player. If we look back most of the people here were not at all happy with the draft choice of George Hill (me included). However, he is just one of those guys who gets 'it'. He is a just a basketball player.

[raspsa]

Pop is getting so mellowed in his old age.. has he ever fawned over a young player like this before?

[SenorSpur]

I wonder if this new-found adulation by Pop means that he's through dog-cussing his backup PG.

No matter how much Hill has developed, he showed during the Dallas series, what many of us already knew - that he was more than capable of holding down the primary backup PG position last year. Pop simply didn't trust him until he was forced to use him in the playoffs.

While I looking forward to seeing Hill pair up in the backcourt with TP when matchups make it possible, I just hope Pop doesn't get carried away with overplaying Hill at the 2.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Pop is too easy on Ghill.

[SenorSpur]

Pop really has some high expectations for Hill this year...And no reason not to, but he doesn't usually do this. Look at the "support" he's given Blair (it's non existent)

Pop will probably fawn over Blair, in the same way, next year.

[tp2021]

Just like the beginning of last season: Zany Pop emerges.

[ducks]

pop is trying to get hill confidence
knowing he needs him in the playoffs
especially if one of the big three are hurt
and in the playoffs you really need 4 players playing their game
and pop knows he needs hills d without bowen

[CGD]

Pop is that master of knowing how to get the best from his guys.

[Solid D]

pop is trying to get hill confidence
knowing he needs him in the playoffs
especially if one of the big three are hurt
and in the playoffs you really need 4 players playing their game
and pop knows he needs hills d without bowen

I agree with you, particularly about the confidence aspect. He motivates players in different ways, depending on what floats their boat. RJ is going to add to the big three mix, though, ducks...so don't forget him.

[TDMVPDPOY]

only reason pop likes GHILL besides his handsome slick looks,


his the teams donuts biatch

[tp2021]

pop is trying to get hill confidence
knowing he needs him in the playoffs
especially if one of the big three are hurt
and in the playoffs you really need 4 players playing their game
and pop knows he needs hills d without bowen

For a second I thought I was reading a ducks-haiku.

[Solid D]

It is a ducks haiku.

[TheProfessor]

I think Pop figures that this excessive adulation drives Hill more than dogging him. Hill wants Pop to get after him like he used to get after TP, so Pop praises him non-stop instead.

[The Truth #6]

Pop should play a little more hard to get but it's good to see him support a young player like this. Maybe he balances it out when he passes Ian in the hallway and acts like he doesn't know him.

This is all very interesting. It's sort of like Hill went through the fraternity hazing ritual and now he's "one of us".

If Hill plays well, then who cares. It will be interesting to see how he treats Blair, especially if he continues to dominate. I imagine it will be a challenge for Pop to give a lot of trust to Blair in his first year, but so far Blair deserves minutes.

Should be a great season.

[all_heart]

It's probably Pops way of putting pressure on a good guy like Hill. He knows Hill is capable of stepping up big time this year.

[smrattler]

Every person is different, you can't reach everyone with the same approach.

Besides being the greatest rookie PF of all-time, Pop was very relaxed with Duncan because he's a thinker, over analyzes things, etc. Pop knows how to talk to him and get the best out of him. Manu was a man when he got here and a baller, he knew he could just pluf him in and this was a pro, ready to go. Same with all the vets he signs in (Fin, Barry, etc.).

Parker's dad must have placed a call to Pop and said... "that little boy needs an ass whipping. He's thinking about finding movie star girlfriends, fast cars and Gatorade commercials. Get his head out of those clouds."

Unfortunately, Pop never could find Beno's dad's phone number.

[Tully365]

I joined spurstalk early last summer, just in time to see lots of threads and hundreds of posts about how RC Buford should be fired for drafting George Hill, and how the Spurs sucked when it came to judging talent.

Ah, memories! Some people never learn.

[Samr]

For a second I thought this was a piece by The Onion.

Look at Pop as an office manager: A good manager knows how to use verbal and non-verbal cues to get the best out of his/her employees. Some might be most effective after receiving public credit, and thus need more constant praise (Hill). Some might produce no matter what, and just want a stable work environment (Duncan). Some might produce best through constructive criticism, even if it makes them mad in the short-term (Parker).

A good manager adapts to his/her employees' various personalities, and doesn't make them adapt to him/her. There's a reason Pop is one of the best.

Kuddos, man, whatever it takes to get to the championship!

[Danny.Zhu]

Wow-Pop is really milking it with Hill...:lol

So I guess MF must be heartbroken right now...

[SouthTexasRancher]

Pop is that master of knowing how to get the best from his guys.


Exactly right...!

[mookie2001]

Manu was a man when he got here and a baller, he knew he could just pluf him in and this was a pro
short memory

[Marcus Bryant]

I'm just shocked that Pop could relate to the young African-American balla. I was told once on the internets by Pinky Ring that was not possible, that Pop was military, white, and old, so therefore he hated young negroes.

[barbacoataco]

In addition to being the backup PG, Hill should get some minutes as a defensive specialist when opposing players are going off and you need someone to come in and limit them. If Bogans plays up to expectations he would also be in that picture.

[angelbelow]

I know all the love Pop has given Hill may be out of character - but maybe Hill has just improved THAT much =p

[NoOptionB]

Hill needs to stat dunking it on his drives.

[Mr. Body]

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/10/and-then-there.html
"Watch this guy play," Popovich said, arm still wrapped around his backup point guard's shoulders. "Watch him. Especially if you're a young one, and you want to know how to play -- my favorite player is your guy to watch."

:wow:wow:wow

[timvp]

Meh, this is CIA Pop ploy #252B-5 straight out of the handbook. I'd love to believe that Pop truly is this excited about Hill but I've seen this ploy too often.

Last year, Pop obviously lost confidence in Hill. Looking back on it, Pop probably regrets his decision. This year, Pop realizes two things: 1) Hill is his only real option at backup point guard 2) Hill's game is largely based on confidence.

Considering the entire situation, Pop figured that the best way to go is to show an extreme level of confidence in Hill. By doing so, it erases the memory of last season and it gives Hill the best chance to succeed this year by theoretically lowering Hill's tendency to become too passive.

We've seen Pop use similar tactics with everyone from Rasho to Elson to Hedo. I'm hoping this time it pays off and Hill finally solves the backup point guard void. Pop being hard on the backup point guard hasn't really helped in the last half dozen years so I approve of this new approach.

[#2!]

Meh, this is CIA Pop ploy #252B-5 straight out of the handbook. I'd love to believe that Pop truly is this excited about Hill but I've seen this ploy too often.

Last year, Pop obviously lost confidence in Hill. Looking back on it, Pop probably regrets his decision. This year, Pop realizes two things: 1) Hill is his only real option at backup point guard 2) Hill's game is largely based on confidence.

Considering the entire situation, Pop figured that the best way to go is to show an extreme level of confidence in Hill. By doing so, it erases the memory of last season and it gives Hill the best chance to succeed this year by theoretically lowering Hill's tendency to become too passive.

We've seen Pop use similar tactics with everyone from Rasho to Elson to Hedo. I'm hoping this time it pays off and Hill finally solves the backup point guard void. Pop being hard on the backup point guard hasn't really helped in the last half dozen years so I approve of this new approach.

I don't agree with this point. Hill seems to see through this ploy more than anybody; he says "thats just pop," (paraphrase) and shrugs it off. I think while it might partly be an outrageously outright endorsement of Hill, it is at least partially Pop's decided way of putting pressure on George's performance.

Tony sought Pop's praise, Pop made him be perfect for it. Hill talks about wanting to get yelled at like TP so Pop praises him into on-court production.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I don't buy into this new-found loveable attitude by Pop, but the fact he hasn't signed a veteran back-up PG ( for now ), even though a few decent ones have been available, should speak louder than any quotes. Hill is far from where Pop wants him to be as a player, I'm sure, but he's shown he's mentally tough and his head is screwed on the right way, so I expect him to get away with more mistakes than your average back-up PG from the previous seasons.

That said, whatever the quotes, I have no doubts Pop will not hesitate to move him back to the doghouse if he's struggling.

[mountainballer]

I don't buy into this new-found loveable attitude by Pop, but the fact he hasn't signed a veteran back-up PG ( for now ), even though a few decent ones have been available, should speak louder than any quotes.

very good point. if they had not signed any veterans, we could think this was an economic reason. but they stockpiled bigs and wings and didn't sign this (available) veteran PG. you don't do this, if you are not pretty sure that the one back up PG you have, can handle the duty.

[YODA]

For a second I thought this was a piece by The Onion.

Look at Pop as an office manager: A good manager knows how to use verbal and non-verbal cues to get the best out of his/her employees. Some might be most effective after receiving public credit, and thus need more constant praise (Hill). Some might produce no matter what, and just want a stable work environment (Duncan). Some might produce best through constructive criticism, even if it makes them mad in the short-term (Parker).
A good manager adapts to his/her employees' various personalities, and doesn't make them adapt to him/her. There's a reason Pop is one of the best.

Kuddos, man, whatever it takes to get to the championship!

YOu make alot of good points here. My degree happens to be in management. A good manager does adapt the various personalities around him. With each new employee(player) or person who leaves, it changes the dynamic of how they work together.

One thing you dont do as a manager is to give out fake praise to employees. They easily pick this up and it causes problems among employees. As I once told a group at a meeting." I dont give out praise easily, so when I do, know its because I really believe it". I really believe Pop has fallen for Hill. As of now, he can do no wrong. Obviously it wont always be this way, but its the start of a great relationship. He has earned POPs respect, whcih will go along way for Hill.

With all the Blair buzz, you would think Pop would be all over it, but Pop is reluctant to give him the praise we the fans are giving him. I really think he is trying to keep the pressure off of him. To much pressure and expectations could do more damage then good. I really think he is just trying to keep Blair grounded.

I really love how Pop Manages his players

Yoda

[nkdlunch]

although I agree Pop is trying a new aproach and instilling confidence. Pop is also getting older and you know old ppl, he is treating Hill like a grandson rather than a son(Parker)

let's hope he does not spoil little Georgie

[rjv]

part of being a coach is knowing how to treat different personalities.

interstingly enough, he is somewhat dismissive of blair's early success. it may be that he recognizes blair has talent and drive enough to where he does not need to be coddled but, on the contrary, brought down to earth on a regular basis.

[antgomez2009]

When parker entered the league, he was very young and needed alot more learning to do, I knew how great G Hill could be ever since he took over that game against the Rockets last year when Parker got injured, and Yao was in the lineup at that time for the Rockets, Hill took over that game! I think Pop knows that he has a very talented player with much upside and dedication to get better, which shows Pop that he is really going to be special! Parker needed that Push from Pop, thus allowing him to develop to a Superstar, and still growing! I think Pop is trying to keep both Parker and Hill for years to come, which is not a bad idea, because Hill can potentially become as good as Parker or better!

[lefty]

Wow, Pop is really cooking up a steam :wtf

I'm wondering what he calls Hill's thingy : Curious George? De-hil-licious?

[Baseline]

Blair doesn't need any praise from Pop. The players are doing it for him, with Dice and Parker calling him and animal and a beast.

Dude hasn't played a regular season game yet, but the secret is out. Everybody knows what we have.

To me, that's why Pop's in such a good mood. Hill may be progressing nicely, but Blair is like adding a 7-8 million dollar a year big, and we have him for 850K this year.

Funny thing is, Blair is the elephant in the room not only in the Spurs' offices, but in nearly every front office in the NBA.

[wildbill2u]

Pop is a good coach. Good coaches instinctively know what approach must be used on individual players.

And I'm sure Hill's hard work and improvement has something to do with Pop's praise as well.

[duncanCOSTARICA]

HOPE he shows it on the court!:flag:

[kace]

Meh, this is CIA Pop ploy #252B-5 straight out of the handbook. I'd love to believe that Pop truly is this excited about Hill but I've seen this ploy too often.

Last year, Pop obviously lost confidence in Hill. Looking back on it, Pop probably regrets his decision. This year, Pop realizes two things: 1) Hill is his only real option at backup point guard 2) Hill's game is largely based on confidence.

Considering the entire situation, Pop figured that the best way to go is to show an extreme level of confidence in Hill. By doing so, it erases the memory of last season and it gives Hill the best chance to succeed this year by theoretically lowering Hill's tendency to become too passive.

We've seen Pop use similar tactics with everyone from Rasho to Elson to Hedo. I'm hoping this time it pays off and Hill finally solves the backup point guard void. Pop being hard on the backup point guard hasn't really helped in the last half dozen years so I approve of this new approach.


:lol

let's try to sum up:

Pop said Timvp was right, he should have played Hill more last PO and yes, he can't coach backup PG.

just teasing...

[The Truth #6]

Well, this does sort of contradict the often repeated line in every special on Pop about how he treats all the players the same from Tim to the worst player.

Pop plays hard to get with Blair to keep pushing him further. But does Hill really need the kid gloves approach? Giving Hill playing time should send the proper signal, but if Pop feels he needs to overdo then lets assume he knows what he's doing, but so far it seems like an affectation.

[ShoogarBear]

There are really two questions at work here:

1. How good a player is Hill?
2. How good a point guard is Hill?

I feel better about the answer to #1, but the jury's still way, way out on #2.

[Manufan909]

Every person is different, you can't reach everyone with the same approach.

Besides being the greatest rookie PF of all-time, Pop was very relaxed with Duncan because he's a thinker, over analyzes things, etc. Pop knows how to talk to him and get the best out of him. Manu was a man when he got here and a baller, he knew he could just pluf him in and this was a pro, ready to go. Same with all the vets he signs in (Fin, Barry, etc.).

Parker's dad must have placed a call to Pop and said... "that little boy needs an ass whipping. He's thinking about finding movie star girlfriends, fast cars and Gatorade commercials. Get his head out of those clouds."

Unfortunately, Pop never could find Beno's dad's phone number.

Indeed, I was about to post the same thing. Pop knows if he ignores/semi talks trash about Blair, his chip will get even bigger. And now that he is the first Spur that I know of to get a spin off site from ST, he doesn't need any fawning from Pop.

Also, for the ST vets, was Hill better as a rookie than TP? Oh, and only use the first half of the season, Hill didn't get the minutes he needed to prove his worth after that. Fucking Mase, he should've refused to play PG over Hill, :lol.

[mookie2001]

was Hill better as a rookie than TP?
are you serious?

No.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Hill knows the playbook.

[Manufan909]

part of being a coach is knowing how to treat different personalities.

interstingly enough, he is somewhat dismissive of blair's early success. it may be that he recognizes blair has talent and drive enough to where he does not need to be coddled but, on the contrary, brought down to earth on a regular basis.

Maybe so, but from my ignorant perspective (hell, that is what all of us are viewing this from, unless there are telepaths on ST, or people close to Blair), I really don't like Pop making fun of Blair, especially the joke he made about Blair getting one D board, as well as seriously saying he doesn't know where Blair will fit and all that. Maybe that approach works best for Blair and Pop is a genius, but I don't like it. At least give the man his props. But then again, with every Spur, sports writer, and ST poster slobbering all over Blair, maybe Pop is has the right idea here.

As long as Blair is at worst the 3rd/4th big come the POs, I am gravy. If in June and July Tim is getting 35-40 minutes, Blair is getting 15-25 minutes, and Ian/Dice/Theo (in that order) are all splitting up the 40 minutes left, that would be my ideal 4/5 rotation.

Concerning the "Blair as a starter" thread, I would only want him to start as a PF, so he could only start when TD rests. And he could only really start with a shot blocking big most nights, like Ian or Theo. But for the shorter teams, he could start with Dice. Or if he proves able to use his weight and low center of gravity to keep much bigger players (Oden/Bynum/Shaq) away from their preferred spots,then he could start with anyone. He sure as hell can use his power and elasticity on O, I hope he can translate it to D. He has Timmy, Dice, and Theo to teach him in practice, and players have said he is open to tips, so there is hope yet.

Oh, and sorry for making this into a Blair thread, I'll post this in the Blair thread as well.

[Kool Bob Love]

Every person is different, you can't reach everyone with the same approach.

Besides being the greatest rookie PF of all-time, Pop was very relaxed with Duncan because he's a thinker, over analyzes things, etc. Pop knows how to talk to him and get the best out of him. Manu was a man when he got here and a baller, he knew he could just pluf him in and this was a pro, ready to go. Same with all the vets he signs in (Fin, Barry, etc.).

Parker's dad must have placed a call to Pop and said... "that little boy needs an ass whipping. He's thinking about finding movie star girlfriends, fast cars and Gatorade commercials. Get his head out of those clouds."

Unfortunately, Pop never could find Beno's dad's phone number.


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