2009's Donte Hill Poised For Big Year

Donte Hill turned in a strong sophomore season and followed it up with an even better summer. Now his high school coach says he's poised for a breakout season.

Norfolk (Va.) Collegiate wing Donte Hill averaged 13.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and nearly 7 assists as a sophomore under Jim Markey last year. This time around the expectations will be even greater following a strong summer and an increase in his national recruiting profile.

Markey said the 6-foot-3 Hill worked hard on his body this off season. “This year we hooked them up with Velocity Sports and they’ve been going there 3 times a week for the past 12-13 weeks besides their normal lifting,” Markey said. “All of the kids are in excellent shape but Donte’s put on a couple of pounds. He’s 6-3, 190 now.”

College programs are beginning to move on him. Marquette jumped in strong and offered him a scholarship. Clemson and Virginia Tech have shown consistent interest and are squarely in the mix. Maryland, Virginia and Miami are poking around.

“Mid-majors want him right now – VCU, ODU, JMU and George Mason,” Markey said.

“He’s just a guard. He’s an all-around player and we played him a lot at the one last year because we had a lot of shooters. He’s just a guard. I really like him slashing to the basket and being around the boards. He’s a lock down defender right now and that might be the strongest part of his game right now.”

For Hill, expanding his game as a junior is the next logical step. According to Markey, the perimeter package is being addressed. “Donte’s emphasis has been on his shooting. He’s always been a great slasher. So far everyone has been pretty impressed and they want to see how he develops a little more. He’s looking to breakout.”