By C. Campbell, Staff Writer

cody@southerntorch.com

Today, Saturday, the 8th of October, former Fort Payne Wildcat basketball player Terrence Hill will be enshrined in the Kennesaw State University Basketball Hall of Fame. Playing basketball at Kennesaw State in the early 2000s, Hill helped lead the Owls to the 2004 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship, beating Southern Indiana in the title game. He was taken in the NBA Draft, and played some in the NBA’s Development League.

“It’s one of those things that are surreal,” Hill said about his induction to the hall. Three other Owls alumni will be joining him in the hall of fame during today’s induction. While he was unsure of the criteria used by the selection committee to determine who is allowed to become part of the hall, he did note that it is very selective.

He went on to describe the events comprising the overall induction ceremony. The day would begin with a special brunch, followed by remarks from all of those being inducted. Each player would have someone introduce them, speaking for two minutes, before Hill and the other three would be allowed five minutes each for their statements. Finally, the award itself would be presented during the third quarter of Kennesaw State’s football game in the afternoon.

Despite the fact that being named to Kennesaw State’s Basketball Hall of Fame was a great individual achievement, Hill felt there were other moments in his life that were closer to his heart. He explained that there were many moments he would take with him wherever he went, including getting to travel and play overseas during his time as a professional, but the one thing that was nearest and dearest to him was winning the Division II National Championship.

When asked if he had any advice to the youth of DeKalb County, Hill did have some sage words to impart on those who might hope to follow the same path he did. First, he stressed, “During adversity, you can never let it get the best of you and define who you are.” He also expressed the belief that, no matter what it is you’re working on, “Take an extra 5 to 10 minutes on it. That time goes a long way.”

Hill also had a message for those who had been a part of his life, no matter how big or small of a role they played. “I want to thank everyone who’s ever supported me anywhere along the way. I didn’t get where I am today doing this by myself. I appreciate everything, and I didn’t take it for granted.”

All in all, Terrence Hill has managed to achieve something many may seek to accomplish, but few reach. He may downplay his personal role so that the overall focus can be on the team, but there is no denying the fact that his individual talent allowed him to become part of today’s Kennesaw State University Basketball Hall of Fame induction class. The events taking place today are a testament to what hard work, determination, and perseverance can do, no matter who someone is or where they come from.