Hill making big impact in U.S.

Press, 25 February 1977, Page 20

Hill making big impact in U.S.

[ The former New Zealand men’s basketball centre, Stan Hill, is making a big impact in his first season with the San Jose State University team in California. Hill (6ft 9in), who was [based in Auckland before [accepting a basketball scholarship in physical education at the university, is leading ■the rebounding averages [with 7.9 per game, according |to a letter received from his coach (Mr Ivan Guevara) by the New Zealand director of coaching (Mr Lloyd Sanders, of Christchurch). Originally from Christchurch, Hill has been averaging Il points a game and is third on the scoring list for the season. He has been successful with 50 per cent of his shots. He is also third iin his team for assists. In the league competition, San Jose has won five games and [lost three. Over all, it has [won 12 games and lost 10.

| “He has been of tremendous assistance to our programme,” Mr Guevara said. “We are very much ! looking forward to his help next season.” ; Hill has been in America 'since September. And he is succeeding in a team which no short men. Three players, excluding Hill, are 6ft Bin tall. Another top New Zealand -representative, John Saker. formerly of Wellington, ts [on a basketball scholarship ■at Carroll College in Montana. He, too, has made a favourable impression, .according to Mr Sanders, [who coached him when he was based in Wellington [There is a possibility that the Carroll College team will [tour New Zealand this year, j Derek Joustra (North 'Shore) is yet another former |New Zealand player doing [well overseas. He is playing his second season in the [Netherlands.