MURRAY — Justice “Juice” Hill, a former standout basketball player at Murray State, is making a return to a sport from his past. The starting point guard for the Racers’ 2022 NCAA Tournament team announced on social media late Wednesday that he is “coming home” to join the Murray State football team, seemingly in time for the upcoming 2024 season.
“Full circle … beyond grateful for the opportunity,” Hill wrote in his post, adding, “One last ride in mky.”
As of Thursday, Hill was not listed on the current Murray State roster, but he still appeared on the roster for the 2024 University of San Diego football team in the Pioneer Football League of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Hill, a graduate student, left Murray State after the 2021-22 basketball season to follow Head Coach Matt McMahon to Louisiana State. He had a strong season with the Racers, averaging 13.4 points and 5.1 assists per game for a team that went 31-2. He earned All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team honors, alongside teammates Tevin Brown and K.J. Williams. After starting strong at LSU, Hill faced challenges but still had six games scoring in double figures.
Hill then transferred to Loyola-Marymount in the West Coast Conference, where he performed better despite missing eight games due to injury, ranking fourth in the WCC in assists per game.
Before basketball, Hill excelled in football at Little Rock Christian Academy, earning All-State First Team honors as a quarterback in Class 5A and being named the Gatorade Arkansas Football Player of the Year in 2018. He led his team to a state title that year and was named MVP of the state championship game.
Despite receiving several football offers, including one from his home-state Arkansas, Hill chose to pursue basketball. He joined the Razorbacks’ basketball program as an early graduate but transferred after Coach Mike Anderson was fired. He spent two years at Murray State before his latest decision.
On the San Diego football roster, Hill is listed as an “athlete,” typically indicating a player who can fill multiple roles, including receiver. Given his successful quarterback background, he could also see action as a passer with the Racers.
Hill will be the first former Racer basketball player to compete in football since Brion Sanchious, who played as a receiver in 2019 and scored a key touchdown in a win over Tennessee State.
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