At the age of 16, the doctors did not think he would return to play basketball ("the hardest time I can remember") • Now he is in Paladin's shoes at Hapoel Jerusalem ("loves the opportunity") • and it is important for him to succeed in the Champions League ( ) • Malcolm Hill ready for the quarterfinals • Watch
Hill.
"It is very important for me to succeed in the Champions League"
Photography:
Danny Maron
Malcolm Hill came to Hapoel Jerusalem to replace James Paladin and become the team's leading scorer.
After Jacoben Brown's injury expectations have only grown, and if the Reds want to return from Greece with a title, they owe their star at his peak.
"It is very important for me to succeed in the Champions League," he says in a special interview with "Israel Today" just before he goes on the floor tonight in the quarterfinals of the Champions League against Burgos, "This is a goal I would like to achieve, because I was in this factory before. This group. "
Reporter: Yaakov Meir // Photo: Moshe Ben Simhon
Do you know that Hapoel Jerusalem has not won a European title since 2004?
"Really? I did not know that. Our goal is to make this history."
Hill is only 24, but speaks like a 30-year-old, and when you look at his life story you also understand why.
When he was 16, he was diagnosed with chest syndrome and a large blood clot in his hand.
Following these he underwent surgery, and the doctors thought he would not be able to return to playing basketball, but he recovered and returned as great.
He later suffered a number of not-so-minor injuries, but overcame them all, and last season finished as the vice-king of baskets in the powerful VTB league, just below one of Europe's greatest scorers, Alexei Sheved.
"I had to have surgery," he recalls eight years ago, "I was in the hospital for two weeks, and that was the hardest time I can remember. When I was released my mother had to shower me and I felt like a baby. It was special and crazy and it took me a few months to get back on the field. Think it was good for me because it made me humble and made me appreciate the game and enjoy it more.
"The doctors told me I might not be able to play again, but I did not let that be an option. In my life I am focused on the positive and do not let the negative come in. You must not let the negative energy affect you, and here I play basketball and make a living from it."
In 2018, you opened the season excellently in Ludwisburg and was injured for a long time. What happened to you in those days?
"Honestly, I think this injury is one of the good things that happened to me in life. It gave me perspective and I started to appreciate the game a lot more. Today I also play for other people who can't play basketball because of disabilities. It gave me value for my life and the lives of others. I've been working harder since then. "
Did you even have a chance last season to beat Shebad in the race for King of the Baskets?
"(Laughs) Anything is possible. At the beginning of the season we did not think I would have to be the team's scorer and in the end I became a leading scorer in the league. I bring my best and what happens. People around talked about the competition between us and it got in my head a bit, Because of the corona. "
Have you been told that you came to Jerusalem to replace James Paladin?
"It's not something I was told. I concentrate on how to get better every day, and I leave everything else to others."
"The hamsa makes me feel good"
Before coming to Jerusalem, Hill decided to go on a vegan diet for athletes and for several months refrained from eating meat.
"I wanted to put myself in an uncomfortable situation, because that's how you develop best. So becoming vegan was not only good for my body, but also taught me how to grow and develop. It turned out a lot better. My skin became more taut, I lost a lot of weight and went for runs. Every day. It was really good for my health and it was fun because it was hard. I feel a different person today. It changed my appetite, what I want to put into my body and affected my stomach. I'm disgusted with junk food. I've been back lately I eat meat and a lot of protein, but I avoid fast food and unclean food. "
What is the meaning of the hamsa tattoo you have on your shoulder?
"I did research and found out what the hamsa signifies, it brings you a good spirit and positive energies. When I have a bad mood, the hamsa makes me feel good."
Finally, you have an option in the contract to leave after the Final 8. Can you reassure the Jerusalem fans who are afraid?
"It's a question for my agent, I think less about it. Every day I wake up and every time I go on the pitch I just think about how to become better and how I help the team. I can only tell you that I like the opportunity I have at Hapoel Jerusalem."