364 days ago, Solomon Hill was home in Los Angeles watching the NBA Draft, eager to hear his name. He had worked out for teams, including twice for the Pacers, and made a great impression. By then, he had done all he could do.
All he could do was wait.
“You are definitely always nervous,” Hill recalled before the 2014 Draft Thursday night.
“You have all these outlets of people telling you where they think you are going to go. You have all these professionals slotting you in a place. And you think one think and you hear another. I think it’s the best moment when you just hear your name. Regardless of where you go, it’s always great to hear your name. You put everything else to rest and you can finally just get back to word.”
Nearly halfway through the draft, NBA Commissioner David Stern stepped to the podium for No. 23 and announced the Pacers selection.
“With the 23rd pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers select Solomon Hill.”
Hill’s cell phone rang and it was coach Frank Vogel on the other end.
“It was just a great feeling to be there with my parents and to be able to share that moment with them,” Hill said. “And being there with the guys that were there when I first picked up the ball. I think that was the best part about it. I wish the best for all the guys, especially my Arizona guys. Hopefully their dreams can come true tonight.”
The Pacers have just one pick in tonight’s draft: No. 57.