Blue Devil basketball legend Grant Hill on overcoming injuries, his grandfather’s legacy, and speaking at Duke’s 2025 commencement.
On May 11, 2025, Duke University celebrated its Centennial Commencement with a poignant address by alumnus and basketball legend Grant Hill. As the keynote speaker, Hill shared a deeply personal narrative that intertwined his athletic journey, the enduring influence of his family, and his commitment to community service. His speech resonated with graduates, faculty, and guests, encapsulating themes of perseverance, legacy, and the pursuit of purpose.
Grant Hill’s connection to Duke is emblematic of excellence in collegiate athletics. During his tenure from 1990 to 1994, Hill was instrumental in securing two NCAA national championships for the Blue Devils. He was a three-time All-American and earned accolades such as ACC Player of the Year and National Defensive Player of the Year. His iconic full-court pass to Christian Laettner in the 1992 NCAA Tournament remains one of the most memorable moments in college basketball history.
Transitioning to the NBA, Hill was selected third overall in the 1994 draft by the Detroit Pistons. Over his 19-season career, he became a seven-time All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. Despite facing significant challenges, including a debilitating ankle injury and a life-threatening MRSA infection, Hill’s resilience allowed him to continue playing at a high level, earning respect for his perseverance and sportsmanship.
In his commencement address, Hill candidly discussed the adversities he faced throughout his career. He described how sports conditioned him to “fight” and “believe that you’re going to win,” even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. These experiences, he noted, were not just physical challenges but also tests of character and determination.
Hill’s ability to navigate these hardships and emerge stronger served as a testament to the power of resilience. He encouraged graduates to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, emphasizing that setbacks are often setups for comebacks.
A central theme in Hill’s speech was the profound impact of his family, particularly his grandfather, on his life and values. Hill shared stories of his grandfather’s unwavering support and the lessons he imparted about integrity, service, and the importance of education. These lessons, Hill explained, were foundational in shaping his own path and continue to guide his actions today.
In honor of his grandfather’s legacy, Hill and his family established a scholarship at Dillard University in New Orleans, supporting students pursuing higher education. This gesture reflects Hill’s commitment to giving back and ensuring that the values instilled in him are passed on to future generations.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Hill has dedicated himself to various philanthropic endeavors. Through the Tamia & Grant Hill Foundation, he has supported numerous causes focusing on children and education. His involvement extends to board memberships with organizations like the NCAA, NBA Retired Players Association, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, reflecting his ongoing commitment to service and leadership.
Hill’s call to action for graduates was clear: to leverage their education and experiences to make meaningful contributions to society. He urged them to not only pursue personal success but also to uplift their communities, embodying the values of service and leadership that Duke instills in its students.
Grant Hill’s address at Duke’s 2025 commencement was more than a reflection on personal achievements; it was a powerful message about the importance of resilience, the enduring influence of family, and the responsibility to serve others. His life story serves as an inspiration to graduates, reminding them that success is not solely defined by accolades but by the positive impact one has on the world. As Hill aptly stated, “Don’t be a passenger; be the driver of your own journey.”
In honoring his grandfather’s legacy and sharing his own experiences, Hill provided graduates with a blueprint for living a life of purpose, integrity, and service. His words will undoubtedly resonate with the Class of 2025 as they embark on their next chapters, carrying forward the lessons of resilience, family, and community that he so eloquently imparted.
