Dennis Scott says Solomon Hill is ready to make an impact in the NBA

Aug 16, 2013, 6:30 PM | Updated: 6:31 pm

University of Arizona alum Solomon Hill went to the Indiana Pacers with the 23rd pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-7 forward will likely find himself backing up Paul George and Danny Granger during his rookie season, and he will have to battle for playing time with two other emerging wing players, Chris Copeland and Lance Stephenson.

However, Hill has already won over one former NBA star.

Dennis Scott, co-host of NBA TV’s GameTime, gave his top five “ready to play rookies” on the program, listing Hill at No. 2. Scott praised Hill’s demeanor and basketball I.Q.

“I was very impressed how he handles himself with the interviews and, more importantly, on the floor,” Scott said of the Pacers rookie.

The GameTime co-host said Hill can play some time at power forward in the pros “depending on the matchup.”

Hill averaged 12 points on 49 percent shooting and made 10 out of 18 three-pointers during five Summer League games for the Pacers in July. He was chosen to the All-Orlando Summer League Second Team for his performance.

Scott said he looked for players who are hard workers, have thick skin and a great feel for the NBA job — on and off the court — when composing his rookie list. Scott’s list was comprised completely of players who played more than one year in college, which he said was no coincidence.

Arizona Basketball

Connecticut guard Tristen Newton celebrates after scoring against Miami during the first half of a ...
Associated Press

UConn cruises past Miami in Final Four to make program’s 5th National Championship

UConn got 21 points and 10 rebounds from Adama Sanogo to dispatch Miami 72-59 and move one win from the school’s fifth national title.
1 day ago
San Diego State guard Lamont Butler drives up court against Florida Atlantic during the first half ...
Associated Press

San Diego State hits buzzer-beater to advance past FAU in Final Four

Lamont Butler hit a jump shot at the buzzer to send San Diego State to the National Championship with a 72-71 win over FAU in the Final Four.
1 day ago
Azuolas Tubelis #10 of the Arizona Wildcats moves the ball up-court past head coach Tommy Lloyd dur...
Arizona Sports

Report: Arizona, Alabama hoops finalizing neutral site game in Phoenix

The Arizona Wildcats and Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball teams are finalizing a game at Footprint Center, reports Jon Rothstein.
6 days ago
Florida Atlantic players celebrate after defeating Kansas State in an Elite 8 college basketball ga...
Associated Press

Florida Atlantic punches ticket to Final Four with upset win over Kansas State

Florida Atlantic had never won an NCAA Tournament game prior to this season. Now in its second-ever tourney trip, FAU is Final Four bound.
8 days ago
TUCSON, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 22: Adama Bal #2 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball against Khalil...
Austin Scott

Adama Bal leaving Wildcats via transfer portal

Sophomore guard Adama Bal marks the second Arizona Wildcat to enter the transfer portal, after averaging 2.5 points per game off the bench.
10 days ago
Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa (25) reacts after Arizona State guard Desmond Cambridge Jr. hits a three ...
Arizona Sports

Kerr Kriisa entering transfer portal after 3rd year with Wildcats

Point guard Kerr Kriisa will enter the transfer portal after playing his third year with the Arizona Wildcats, he told ESPN.
11 days ago
Dennis Scott says Solomon Hill is ready to make an impact in the NBA