DURHAM, N.C. —Legendary Blue Devils alumnus Grant Hill is returning to his alma mater as Senior Coaching Advisor to head coach Jon Scheyer, the program announced on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Hill, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, two-time NCAA champion, and one of Duke’s most beloved figures, will bring his wealth of experience from a storied playing career and his post-NBA ventures to mentor the team and support Scheyer’s vision for the Blue Devils.
Hill, 52, played for Duke from 1990 to 1994 under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, helping lead the program to back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992. His iconic inbounds pass to Christian Laettner for the game-winning shot against Kentucky in the 1992 Elite Eight remains one of the most celebrated moments in NCAA Tournament history.
A two-time consensus All-American and the 1994 ACC Player of the Year, Hill averaged 14.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game during his Duke career, showcasing versatility that made his No. 33 jersey one of the nine retired in Cameron Indoor Stadium. After Duke, Hill enjoyed a 19-year NBA career, earning seven All-Star selections and induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
“Returning to Duke feels like coming home,” Hill said in a statement. “This program shaped me as a player and a person, and I’m thrilled to work with Jon Scheyer and this talented group of young men. My goal is to share my experiences, help develop these players on and off the court, and contribute to Duke’s continued pursuit of excellence.”
As Senior Coaching Advisor, Hill will work closely with Scheyer, who is entering his fourth season as head coach after succeeding Krzyzewski in 2022.
Hill’s role will include mentoring players on leadership, strategy, and professional development, while also advising Scheyer on game planning and program culture. His deep understanding of Duke’s tradition, combined with his NBA expertise and current role as a broadcaster and co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between college and professional basketball for Duke’s players.
“Grant Hill is Duke basketball,” Scheyer said. “His legacy as a player is unmatched, and his wisdom, character, and passion for the game will elevate our program. Having him in our corner is a game-changer for our staff and players.” Scheyer, who played under Krzyzewski from 2006 to 2010 and won a national title in 2010, has guided Duke to a 76–24 record in his first three seasons, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2024. Hill’s addition is seen as a strategic move to bolster Duke’s championship aspirations in a competitive ACC and NCAA landscape.
The announcement has sparked widespread enthusiasm among Duke fans, with social media posts on X calling Hill’s return a “home run hire” and a “full-circle moment.” Fans recall Hill’s clutch performances, like his 25-point, 7-rebound effort in the 1991 NCAA title game, and see his involvement as a boost for recruiting and player development. “Grant Hill back at Duke is huge,” one fan posted. “He’s a legend who gets what it means to be a Blue Devil.”
Hill’s return also aligns with Duke’s ongoing efforts to maintain its elite status. The program has produced 11 national championships (five men’s, six women’s) and continues to attract top talent, with the 2025–26 recruiting class ranked among the nation’s best. Hill’s presence is expected to enhance Duke’s appeal to prospects, given his reputation as a mentor and his connections in the NBA.
Beyond the court, Hill’s philanthropy and leadership as managing director of USA Basketball, where he helped assemble the gold-medal-winning 2024 Olympic team, add further credibility to his advisory role.
His commitment to Duke’s values—excellence, integrity, and community—resonates with the program’s ethos.
As Duke prepares for the 2025–26 season, Hill’s homecoming signals a new chapter for the Blue Devils. With his guidance, Scheyer’s staff aims to build on Duke’s legacy while chasing another national title. For Hill, it’s a chance to give back to the program that launched his legendary career, ensuring the Blue Devils remain a powerhouse in college basketball.
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