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Illinois Basketball: 2016-17 season wrap-up for Malcolm Hill

By Rees Woodcock

Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) goes to the basket as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Nicholas Baer (51) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Illinois won 70-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) goes to the basket as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Nicholas Baer (51) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Illinois won 70-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite the Illinois basketball team having a bad season, Malcolm Hill cemented his place in history.

The Illini finished the year with an 18-13 record after a disappointing loss to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Needing to win at least one game in the Big Ten Tournament, Illinois was manhandled by the Michigan Wolverines in the first round to end their chances to go dancing. This was also Hill’s final shot at the postseason as well.

Season Wrap-Up

In the historic career of Hill, the Illinois basketball team failed to make the NCAA tournament just once. They haven’t been to the dance in all four years Hill has been with the program, and now he heads to the professional ranks without the feeling of meaningful late March basketball.

The team struggled at times this past season, as you can tell by the record. But, Hill had a pretty good year regardless. He finished the 2016-17 campaign with 17.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. He led the team in scoring and was second on the team in both rebounds and assists.

Hill’s season was highlighted by some great performances as well. He dropped 40 points and 12 rebounds in a victory over Northern Kentucky. He also had 32 points against IUPUI in what ended up being a win.

But, with the lack of help and a coaching staff who failed him during his time in Champaign, Hill was ineffective at times. In the Big Ten Tournament blowout against Michigan, Hill only had four points on 1-of-8 from the field. Games like this would happen, and he needed someone else to step up during the struggling times.

Hill averaged over 17 points per game which is good by any standard. He had a good, but disappointing, season because of the end result. Once again, the Illini didn’t make the NCAA tournament and sadly, that will follow his legacy throughout time.

What is Next

Hill didn’t get drafted into the NBA. He entered the season as a contender to sneak into the late first round but was probably going to be a second round pick. The team didn’t succeed and that probably hurt his draft stock as well.

There are multiple teams having Hill come in for a workout prior to the NBA Draft. One would assume this is because they want to bring him in to play for their summer team to see what he can do on the court.

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Hill will likely end up with an NBA summer league team. If he plays well enough an NBA team will pick him up. Look for Hill to end up in the D-Leagues this season, though. The heart is there but he still needs to develop his game at the next level. Don’t be surprised if he lands on an NBA team in a few years because this kid has a great work ethic and love for the game.

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