Herbert Hill, 6-10, Senior, PF/C, Providence
29 points, 15 rebounds, 8 blocks, 2 steals, 13-16 FG, 3-4 FT
Joseph Treutlein
Since our last progress report on Hill over one month ago, weve had the chance to watch a lot more tape on the late-blooming senior, and Hill hasnt failed to impress against the best competition the Big East has to offer. Hill has scored in double figures in every game of conference play, including a 20 point performance when matched up with Pittsburghs Aaron Gray, and now this 29 point outburst against Syracuse and 611 shot blocker Darryl Watkins.
In our last report, much praise was given to Hills face-up game from within 15 feet, but in analyzing his game more, its clear that he is more of a back-to-the-basket player, and will only use a face-up dribble or two to get closer when he doesnt have initial position, then seamlessly turning to go into a back-to-the-basket post-up. Once in position, Hill will quickly go to either his jump hook or turnaround jumper, both of which he is nearly automatic with from within five feet. Hills touch is outstanding on both his hook shot and turnaround jumper, and despite him not getting much playing time until his senior year, his footwork is surprisingly polished and he makes smart, quick decisions when he gets the ball fed to him in the post.
Hills decision-making and quick moves were on full display against Syracuses collapsing zone, which proved to be just a small obstacle for him. The zone was pressuring him from all sides both before and after he received entry passes, but he went to quick work when he got the ball, and shot a remarkable 13-for-16 from the field, hitting a variety of hook shots, turnaround jumpers, and easy lay-ups around the rim. Much credit should also be given to the guards on his team who did an excellent job feeding him the ball through Syracuses pesky zone.
Hills offensive game could use some expanded moves in the future, as he cant do much outside of 15 feet, and is really only consistently effective from inside 10. His mid-range shot has solid form, but he rarely uses it and it hasnt been quite refined yet, as evidenced by his sub-par 60% free throw percentage. Aside from being very reliable with his back to the basket in the post, Hill does a good job attacking the offensive boards, though he relies a bit too much on his physical tools at this level, not enough on establishing inside position. He also doesnt always follow through on his pursuits of the ball, sometimes just getting a hand on the ball rather than securing it by pulling it in.
Defensively, Hill has excellent shot-blocking ability, which was evidenced in this game where he blocked eight and altered a few more. Hills weakside awareness is strong, and he has good timing on his blocks, though his man-to-man defense in the post could use some work. While very fundamentally sound in the post on offense, Hill has a long ways to go in fundamentals in guarding the post on defense, as he doesnt have much of any. Hill doesnt really get his weight down to get leverage on his man, which leads to him being backed down nearly at will. His lack of strength, specifically in the lower body, is also concerning on the defensive end, though with some professional weight training that could be remedied. Given the vast progress Hill has made in his four years at Providence, specifically in the polishing of his offensive game while not getting much playing time his first two seasons, theres a good chance his defensive game could see similar improvement if he has the dedication and the proper coaching. Hills drive and focus on the defensive end also dont seem quite up to speed with his offense, so more dedication on his part could also help.
At this point Hill projects as a fringe first-round pick, and theres much to be impressed with from him as a prospect. The polish on his offensive game in spite of his lack of playing time over the years is a testament to the work he must put in practicing, and the great progress hes made with his game this season is a testament to his steep learning curve. Couple these things with his physical gifts, and acknowledge that there is still a lot of untapped potential in him, and Hill could turn out to be a very effective player in the NBA playing the power forward and center positions. With his shot-blocking, rebounding, outstanding touch, and two legitimate go-to moves in the post, he already has a lot to offer an NBA team. If he can improve his mid-range shot and add some weight to his decently sized frame, Hill has the chance to be an effective starter at either the 4 or the 5 in the NBA. Hill would be best off if he was drafted by a team with a coach who puts a strong emphasis on fundamental defense, as that area of his game is in need of the most work, and coaching should be essential to his development there.
In our last report, much praise was given to Hills face-up game from within 15 feet, but in analyzing his game more, its clear that he is more of a back-to-the-basket player, and will only use a face-up dribble or two to get closer when he doesnt have initial position, then seamlessly turning to go into a back-to-the-basket post-up. Once in position, Hill will quickly go to either his jump hook or turnaround jumper, both of which he is nearly automatic with from within five feet. Hills touch is outstanding on both his hook shot and turnaround jumper, and despite him not getting much playing time until his senior year, his footwork is surprisingly polished and he makes smart, quick decisions when he gets the ball fed to him in the post.
Hills decision-making and quick moves were on full display against Syracuses collapsing zone, which proved to be just a small obstacle for him. The zone was pressuring him from all sides both before and after he received entry passes, but he went to quick work when he got the ball, and shot a remarkable 13-for-16 from the field, hitting a variety of hook shots, turnaround jumpers, and easy lay-ups around the rim. Much credit should also be given to the guards on his team who did an excellent job feeding him the ball through Syracuses pesky zone.
Hills offensive game could use some expanded moves in the future, as he cant do much outside of 15 feet, and is really only consistently effective from inside 10. His mid-range shot has solid form, but he rarely uses it and it hasnt been quite refined yet, as evidenced by his sub-par 60% free throw percentage. Aside from being very reliable with his back to the basket in the post, Hill does a good job attacking the offensive boards, though he relies a bit too much on his physical tools at this level, not enough on establishing inside position. He also doesnt always follow through on his pursuits of the ball, sometimes just getting a hand on the ball rather than securing it by pulling it in.
Defensively, Hill has excellent shot-blocking ability, which was evidenced in this game where he blocked eight and altered a few more. Hills weakside awareness is strong, and he has good timing on his blocks, though his man-to-man defense in the post could use some work. While very fundamentally sound in the post on offense, Hill has a long ways to go in fundamentals in guarding the post on defense, as he doesnt have much of any. Hill doesnt really get his weight down to get leverage on his man, which leads to him being backed down nearly at will. His lack of strength, specifically in the lower body, is also concerning on the defensive end, though with some professional weight training that could be remedied. Given the vast progress Hill has made in his four years at Providence, specifically in the polishing of his offensive game while not getting much playing time his first two seasons, theres a good chance his defensive game could see similar improvement if he has the dedication and the proper coaching. Hills drive and focus on the defensive end also dont seem quite up to speed with his offense, so more dedication on his part could also help.
At this point Hill projects as a fringe first-round pick, and theres much to be impressed with from him as a prospect. The polish on his offensive game in spite of his lack of playing time over the years is a testament to the work he must put in practicing, and the great progress hes made with his game this season is a testament to his steep learning curve. Couple these things with his physical gifts, and acknowledge that there is still a lot of untapped potential in him, and Hill could turn out to be a very effective player in the NBA playing the power forward and center positions. With his shot-blocking, rebounding, outstanding touch, and two legitimate go-to moves in the post, he already has a lot to offer an NBA team. If he can improve his mid-range shot and add some weight to his decently sized frame, Hill has the chance to be an effective starter at either the 4 or the 5 in the NBA. Hill would be best off if he was drafted by a team with a coach who puts a strong emphasis on fundamental defense, as that area of his game is in need of the most work, and coaching should be essential to his development there.