Things to watch: VCU basketball Fans Receives More Tantalizing News to Cheer About
Terrence Hill Jr., a first-year guard from Portland, Oregon, has joined the VCU men’s basketball team this season. During his senior year at Roosevelt High School in Portland, he played a key role in leading the basketball team to a district championship and an appearance in the 6A state championship game, according to VCU Athletics.
Originally committed to Utah State University after high school, Hill reconsidered his decision when the coaching staff left for other positions. He then committed to VCU after being reconnected by head coach Ryan Odom and assistant coach Bryce Crawford, who expressed interest in having him join the team.
“I was uncertain about my next steps, but Coach Bryce and Coach Odom reached out during my sophomore year, and we’ve stayed in touch since then,” Hill shared.
Hill’s recruitment was based not only on his basketball skills but also on his character, personality, and academic performance, as noted by Odom. “He checks all the boxes off the court,” Odom remarked.
According to Odom, Hill’s basketball abilities made a significant impression on the coaching staff. “From a basketball standpoint, he’s very talented and can really play,” Odom said. “It doesn’t matter who he’s matched against—he knows how to position himself on the court.”
Hill has brought a lively offensive spark to the team, which has caught Odom’s attention. “He can really score,” Odom added. “He’s capable of shooting from three and driving to the basket.”
Odom also praised Hill’s passing ability and his impressive ball-handling skills. Hill believes that his creativity in playmaking sets him apart from other players—his teammates especially appreciate his flair for alley-oop opportunities.
Adapting to life on the East Coast has been an adjustment for the West Coast native. Hill noted the differences between Portland and Richmond, particularly the time zone change. “You just have to get used to it,” he said.
He credited his older teammates, such as graduate student guard Zeb Jackson, for helping him acclimate to college life and improve his defensive intensity. “To make an impact on the court, I feel like you need a lot of defensive intensity,” Hill explained. “Watching Zeb and Phil pick up full court, I definitely want to incorporate that into my game.”
Jackson praised Hill’s competitiveness on defense and noted that Hill appreciates the intensity shown by his older teammates. “On defense, he’s a competitor. Terrence is a good player,” Jackson said.
Odom expressed his satisfaction with Hill joining the Rams this season and is enthusiastic about the potential future he has within the program. “We had great confidence in him, and we feel fortunate to have him with us,” Odom said.