Jeremiah Hill (Richmond Hill, 1995) has wanted to be a basketball player for as long as he can remember. He was 3 years old when he met Kobe Bryant and the late escort became his source of inspiration. With experience in the leagues of Kazakhstan, Russia and France, last summer he decided to try his luck in the ACB with Betis but ended up being terminated to become the gift of Reis del Básquet Girona. It is also international with Cameroon.
Last Sunday against Valencia he starred in a triple hitting the top of the counter. Was it the most improbable thing he’s ever done?
I think it was one of those triples that you only hit once in a lifetime. It was special, I enjoyed recording it.
How is the team after the two defeats in a row?
They have coincided with the return after the international stop for the FIBA windows. It’s about getting our game back and getting motivated for the next games.
Is there an explanation, though? Aíto insists that it is because of the shutdown.
I think the stoppage had something to do with it. We stopped working together to go with our selections and do it differently: the style, the defense… everything changed. Now that we’re all back, we need to make memories to get back to our best selves as a team. We are already much better. It shows in the training sessions, they are spectacular.
You played with Cameroon. How did your first experience with the Cameroonian national team go?
I loved it! It was a new experience for me, they play a different basketball there than in Europe, Russia or America, but I had a great time. I was impressed because Africa is not as I had been told in the United States. I think this is also being done wrong in many other countries. I’m glad I was able to disprove it with my own eyes.
He was born in the United States. What is the relationship with Cameroon?
My parents. My mother is white and my father is black, it has been through him. I’ve never lived there yet.
Was it very difficult to get the roles?
No, not at all. In one day I had everything ready. Before I moved to Seville, I went to Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, to get my passport so I could play for Betis.
The team plays irregularly both at home and away. In Fontajau they have good quarters – like for example the third of the last match against Valencia – but then they disconnect and lose. What do you think it is due to?
It gives us some credit to know that Valencia is a good team, but I think that sometimes there are specific moments when big baskets from the opponent discourage us. We have to correct it so they don’t bill us.
Marc Gasol, Aíto, Quino… From whom has he learned the most?
Of all three I probably spend more time with Quino but I also talk to Marc every day. As with Aíto, he is very funny. Every conversation with him is profitable. We are very lucky to have him as our coach.
He is a versatile player. In which position do you feel more comfortable: base or escort?
(Rumination). I think I can contribute in both. Maybe I’m a bit more of a passer than a shooter, I’m better with the ball, but I’m good at both positions. I will help the team to try to win from wherever Aíto decides to put me.
Is the Girona Basketball project the most ambitious that has been found since it arrived in Europe?
It’s the best experience I’ve ever had. I don’t think there is a similar team or club anywhere that cares about us as much. Everything is handled with care here. It is impossible to have complaints. I am very grateful.
Betis is fighting for permanence… Is Girona already saved?
I think we are saved. We have already played most of the most difficult games, we still have to face Madrid and Baskonia, but we also have to play against the teams at the bottom of the table. We will be fine, I have no doubt. The match against Manresa will be important, I can’t wait for the day to arrive.
He has been at two clubs this season. Is your first ACB experience as expected?
Honestly, I don’t think I had high expectations because this is the fourth league I’m competing in. They are all different and end up being harder than you imagine. Therefore, I try them with an open mind. I’m enjoying ACB – it’s fast and tactical at the same time.
At the moment, he has played fewer games with Girona (8) than with Betis (12) but his numbers are better. how does it feel
I don’t care about the numbers. I’m just happy to be here. My goal has always been to win the most and I do my best to achieve that. I’m competitive. I am not influenced by the rest.
Girona or Astana? Where do you like to live the most?
It is extremely difficult to choose. I have made great friendships in both cities. Obviously, Spain is always preferred, especially because of the warmer climate, but Kazakhstan is also very good. I spent two amazing years there.
Was it hard to experience the pandemic in Kazakhstan?
When Covid wreaked havoc on a global scale, we stopped training and confined ourselves at home. It got tough from the moment when all the restaurants and shops started to close, but we also kept it simple: we played PlayStation with the team, took long naps, communicated via video call… It didn’t work not to be terrible, it could have been worse.
I immediately made the decision to leave Russia to distance myself from that politics
He was in Russia when war was declared against Ukraine. What do you remember from that moment?
It was an aspect that was far from me, but I immediately made the decision to leave to get away from that politics. Both my fiancee and my mother insisted that I don’t worry about money and leave Russia. I called my agent, collected my things from the dressing room and at four in the morning I was at the airport to fly to France.
Can your stay in Europe benefit you? What challenges does it set?
Of course. I stopped having the interest to play in the NBA, now I want to reach the Euroleague. If possible, with Girona. It would be wonderful. I want to stay here for a long time.
He has a contract with Girona until the end of this season.
Yes. And hopefully Marc wants to hand it to me. (River).
He played three games in the summer league with the Orlando Magic. What was that experience like? Did you dream of the NBA?
It was a unique opportunity. Then they invited me to a training camp, but I had already committed to Astana for two years. I remember the game was easier than in Europe. I think any player who has been in both leagues would say the same. There’s a lot of space, it’s simpler… They make rules so you can score more points because that’s what the fans want to see. Instead, there are more talented players scoring the points here, and fans value both defensive and attacking play.
What do you think of the Girona fans?
My mother!, it’s amazing. I don’t think there are enough words to describe her. Maybe our supporters don’t realize it, but they help us a lot in tough situations or when the game gets complicated. Apart from that if it goes well they also encourage us to move on.
What has surprised you the most about Girona?
That’s a good question… It looks like a small town, but there are a lot of people living there. It is a city that looks like a village. Also that it is close to the beach.
Who was your inspiration to take up basketball?
I met Kobe Bryant when I was 3 years old. My parents are military and we were going to South Korea. He came to our military base and held me in his arms. Since then, I always wanted to play basketball.
Kobe’s death should be a hard blow…
completely I was in Kazakhstan, I was with the team that day and when I got the message on my mobile everything stopped. I was beside myself. I had a terrible night.
Did Pau Gasol’s shirt retirement with the Lakers follow?
Yes, some team members were shouting at the TV. I am very happy for him. He had always been a Lakers fan until Kobe left the franchise. Since then, my interest in the NBA has waned.
what did you study And what does he plan to do when he retires?
I majored in Computer Science, but I don’t think I’ll pursue it. When I leave basketball, I don’t think I’ll want to do anything. (River). Everyone tells me to consider becoming a coach, but I’m not so clear about it. It seems stressful. Other than a trainer, it has no expiration date.
