Despite the trade to go back to my hometown, I feel I have made my mark here in San Antonio and I will always call San Antonio my second home. Getting the call from ‘Pop’ and hearing David Stern on TV state that I had in fact been traded really hit home, both literally and emotionally. It put me on an emotional roller coaster that I’m sure everyone saw in my eyes. I’m not much of a crier, but I cried that day. Knowing that I would have to leave all the good friends I’ve made and all my teammates whom I consider all my family, really made me feel thankful that I had the chance to be a part of such a great city, team, and franchise.
Even though I had been traded, I felt that it was only right on my behalf to attend and participate in all of the camps I promised to all my kids and loyal fans. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. Seeing the smiles on their faces, and the joy in their eyes as they saw me walk through the door, my presence alone put them on the same emotional roller coaster I was on. And it brought tears to my eyes. My responsibility as an NBA basketball player is to play my hardest and teach my kids as I was taught. My fans are my everything, and it was my responsibility and my devotion to them that influenced me to be there for them, just like they have always been there for me. I’ve created a lot of memories in San Antonio and those memories will be with me in my new days as an Indiana Pacer. The trade was a sort of bitter, sweet kind of feeling. Leaving my new home and family and going back to my roots. Sad to leave, happy to be back. But as I always say, never forget where you’re from and how you’ve grown up and who made you who you are today. Be yourself and let others see who you are.
My new days as an Indiana Pacer will allow me to create and recreate a new chapter in my life, as redundant as that sounds. I look forward to bringing what I’ve learn in San Antonio and their great franchise to my new team, that has always been quite a childhood favorite. I’m not going to change who I am or what I’ve become, I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing and learning and growing. Because as I’ve learned,“Happiness is found with success, in the eyes of challenges, through the fight in you”. I will exemplify my “guts, grind, and glory” for the Pacer Nation and put it all on the floor. I will never, ever forget my Spurs fans, and I will embrace my Pacer fans. Hello Indiana! See you later San Antonio!
Thank you and God bless!George Hill
Omg this was so touching...thank you for everything George. You are so loved and valued here in San Antonio, that you leaving, made us all very sad and confused. we all understand that it wasn't your decision. I actually cried that day, which was beyond weird cause I've never met you and I've never cried during any other trade ha! I wish you the very best in Indiana and I will continue supporting and cheering you on and when you play the Spurs, I'll be sporting your jersey<3
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight on your feelings about this trade, George. As a lifelong Pacer fan, let me be the first on your new blog to welcome you home, and remind you that Pacer fans are some of the most loyal. We love our players, sometimes to a fault, and Pacer Nation has been more than excited since your trade announcement. PacersDigest is a place that many die-hard fans frequent, and it wouldn't take long for you to see that (even though there are LOTS of disagreements about players, coaches, directions, etc), virtually no one was upset with this move. This was one of the best moves we've made in awhile, and it's rare to see everyone in agreement. Best of luck to you, welcome home, and from a die-hard fan, welcome to the team!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I speak for many people when I say that you brought it every single night while being a Spur. You will be missed in so many ways. Your hard work, determination, professionalism, and positive attitude are infectious and Spurs fans all over the world are going to miss that the most. You exemplified what a true professional basketball player should be like. Thank you for everything you've done for the Spurs franchise, the communities in San Antonio and South Texas and the children you've come into contact with. You are a true role-model in every sense of the word. Good luck in your new, "old" home. Indiana and the Pacers are extremely lucky to have a player of your caliber and high character. Good luck and keep impacting people's lives!
ReplyDeleteErick Trevino
McAllen, Tx.
We are VERY sad youre leaving San Antonio and the SPURS!!! We do wish you well in Indiana but please come back soon!
ReplyDeleteBlog looks great, George! Keep up the fantastic work in Indy! Follow me back fivetoolsports.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletethis is crazy man. I've actually had the opportunity to meet you a few times in my hometown (Monrovia) through some mutual friends of ours, and we've never stopped cheering for you. Now you're here, back in Indiana, and nothing's gonna change for us either. We welcome you home with open arms my dude. #PacerNation
ReplyDeleteGeorge, may Indiana be as wonderful as your San Antonio experience - thank you for everything you do while in this great city, you'll always be a Spur xx
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the road ahead. I enjoyed watching you play during your run as Spur. I only wish we had gotten a title. I also enjoyed reading Manu refer to you as "Jorgito Colina". Pretty funny. Best of luck dude.
ReplyDeleteWhile you were a Spur I always admired your committment to the community and your openness and willingness to appreciate your fans. I was at the George Hill Rising Stars Basketball Camp when you kind of broke down and my heart cried with you. You are a great player and are destined to be a home-town hero in Indianapolis which is exactly what you deserve. Hope you never forget San Antonio.
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