Mel_13
09-01-2010, 09:47 AM
By Rob Mahoney
Between his rookie and sophomore seasons, George Hill somehow evolved from a neat little athlete into the man gunning for Tony Parker's job. How'd he do it? Hill learned to shoot a little bit, he started to play with more control, and he nabbed a positional designation that tricks casual fans into thinking he runs the offense, when in fact that's more Manu Ginobili's deal. Just sayin'.
Nevertheless, Hill improved significantly in his second year in the NBA, and according to Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News, Hill credits much of that improvement to Spurs' assistant and development aficionado, Chad Forcier:
Hill serves as "Exhibit A" in the body of evidence supporting Forcier's skill in developing players..."Chad wants to see you improve even more than you want to improve," Hill said. "You don't see that from many coaches. From watching film to breaking down every single aspect of a move you're working on or putting you in scenarios that make you better, everything he does is unique.
"Since Day 1 of my rookie year, he told me the corner 3-pointer was where I was going to make a name for myself, along with my defense. I give him all the credit for that aspect of my game."
Hill may not be ready to leap headfirst into a starting point guard gig, but it's clear that his value to the Spurs organization has jumped over the last 12 months. Forcier seems to have been a critical part of that process. However, Forcier will need to work some more of that same magic with Hill again this summer if George is indeed tabbed as the post-Parker point guard. Each day is a water slide away from San Antonio that takes Parker further every day, and his potential departure would make Hill the obvious replacement.
Hill's an excellent athlete with good instincts, and now, a terrific shooter to boot. Taking the next step is even more crucial, though. San Antonio is clearly comfortable with George Hill the role player, but should he continue to elevate his game in his third season, the Spurs' combination of internal development and roster improvements should put them at the lead of the West's second tier, while also putting the offense in safe hands for the future.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/meet-chad-forcier-the-man-who-made-a-player-out-of-george-hill.php?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Between his rookie and sophomore seasons, George Hill somehow evolved from a neat little athlete into the man gunning for Tony Parker's job. How'd he do it? Hill learned to shoot a little bit, he started to play with more control, and he nabbed a positional designation that tricks casual fans into thinking he runs the offense, when in fact that's more Manu Ginobili's deal. Just sayin'.
Nevertheless, Hill improved significantly in his second year in the NBA, and according to Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News, Hill credits much of that improvement to Spurs' assistant and development aficionado, Chad Forcier:
Hill serves as "Exhibit A" in the body of evidence supporting Forcier's skill in developing players..."Chad wants to see you improve even more than you want to improve," Hill said. "You don't see that from many coaches. From watching film to breaking down every single aspect of a move you're working on or putting you in scenarios that make you better, everything he does is unique.
"Since Day 1 of my rookie year, he told me the corner 3-pointer was where I was going to make a name for myself, along with my defense. I give him all the credit for that aspect of my game."
Hill may not be ready to leap headfirst into a starting point guard gig, but it's clear that his value to the Spurs organization has jumped over the last 12 months. Forcier seems to have been a critical part of that process. However, Forcier will need to work some more of that same magic with Hill again this summer if George is indeed tabbed as the post-Parker point guard. Each day is a water slide away from San Antonio that takes Parker further every day, and his potential departure would make Hill the obvious replacement.
Hill's an excellent athlete with good instincts, and now, a terrific shooter to boot. Taking the next step is even more crucial, though. San Antonio is clearly comfortable with George Hill the role player, but should he continue to elevate his game in his third season, the Spurs' combination of internal development and roster improvements should put them at the lead of the West's second tier, while also putting the offense in safe hands for the future.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/meet-chad-forcier-the-man-who-made-a-player-out-of-george-hill.php?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter