Spurs Picks George Hill in 2008 NBA Draft; First-Ever NBA Draftee from IUPUI

More Info About a Player Everyone is Talking About in Indianapolis, San Antonio and Across the Country

In Indianapolis, basketball fans are pretty excited and proud about one player, George Hill. Although he may not have been on the radar screen for some, he certainly got noticed by the San Antonio Spurs recently, making it into the 26th pick position for the NBA draft. Indianapolis sports fans were abuzz with the news and proud of George Hill. For those who aren't yet acquainted with George Hill, here's a rundown of some basic facts about a player to watch in the coming season:

George Hill is the first American born player to be drafted in the first round since 1997 - and the first NBA draftee for IUPUI (Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis).

This is quite an honor for both Hill and IUPUI. Although the university has worked hard to create a solid basketball program, this is a sign that the hard work has paid off. Until now, George Hill was a relatively unknown point guard. But he still had plenty of accomplishments on the basketball court. He was a force to be reckoned with, something known by other players who met up with him, whether in Indianapolis or at away games.

Career highlights for George Hill have been plentiful, helping to grab the attention of the San Antonio Spurs recruiters

As a junior, Hill was named Summit Player of the Year and is fourth all-time high scorer in the school's history when it comes to scoring career points. He earned 1619 of those. He ranks ninth all-time in rebounds, seventh in assists and eighth in steals. He is expected to be a point guard in the NBA and has a reputation for being a strong player at both ends of the court.

Height: Six feet, two inches.

Weight: 180

Major skills and strengths: George Hill will be bringing speed, agility and a solid ability to get to the net quickly. He has a track record of handling and passing the basketball reliably and for being a superb team player, not hogging the limelight. After all, it took something to set him apart from the crowd and get a player at a relatively unknown university to get picked. Year after year, hill has managed to distinguish himself as a top player at IUPUI.

It hasn't been a totally smooth path for George Hill on his way to the Spurs