It can be funny how things come about sometimes in this industry. Over a year ago, Coach James Black and Juice All-Stars (a common team for Phenom Hoops) showed up on the court, and Coach Black once again mentioned that he had a player we needed to check out. That young man at that time was 2024 6'8 Joshua Hill, a new name for many and one that hadn't been recognized as of yet.
At that time, we had this to say about Hill's game: 'The appeal should be somewhat self-explanatory for a young, rapidly progressing post prospect with legitimate size and clear two-way upside. Hill displays solid touch but often finds scoring opportunities through the utilization of his length around the basket. He shows flashes of handling the ball, but primarily makes an impact through effort as a rebounder and rim-protector. Physically, Hill is just beginning to mature and properly add weight to his slender frame. He runs the floor hard and fluidly for a young prospect of his size. Overall, it's still extremely early to try and place a ton of solidified opinions on the big man. Should Hill continue to add strength and develop his on-court identity with Coach Black, he's going to be a quality player in time.'
Now, we fast forward to 2022, after his high school season and now playing with Game Elite 3SSB, Hill has quickly risen up the ranks, grown even more (now standing at 6'9), and has continued to develop his overall feel for the game. And that is why schools aren't wasting time in offering this young man, as he received his first offer from Seton Hall.
Phenom Hoops recently spoke with Hill to learn about all the latest; see what he had to say.
Phenom: How has summer ball been going so far with Game Elite'
Hill: It has been pretty good so far. Great team all around, we love to win and continue to win. A reason I think we are so good is that we do the things other teams are not willing to do, like play defense and play hard in both halves.
Phenom: How do you think your game has improved as a player in the last year or so'
Hill: I feel it has improved drastically, from being more explosive to be more confident on the court, to being able to shoot the ball better and score from all three levels.
Phenom: How was it to get that first offer from Seton Hall'
Hill: It was nice, I feel as if it is good, but I can't stop or settle, now time to get harder and get what I deserve.
Phenom: How did you hear about the offer'
Hill: Through my coach.
Phenom: Did you hear what they had to say when they offered'
Hill: They said they love my length and how well I'm an all-around player and they could see me playing for them in the future.
Phenom: You know anything early on about the program'
Hill: How they like to offer skinny, all-around wings/bigs that look similar to me.
Phenom: Have you had any other interests from schools'
Hill: Yes, my coach has told me I've been offered by other schools too. Just hasn't told me the names yet because he just wants me to continue working.
