Hill anchors Arkansas defense

LITTLE ROCK (AP) Steven Hill looks back on the last basketball season and remembers the struggle the emotions he played through following the death of his mother.<br> <br> Over a year has passed since that tragic loss, and Hill has emerged as a defensive force for Arkansas. Now, the Razorbacks look to their big man as a pillar of strength.<br> <br> ``Last year was very tough,&#39;&#39; Hill said. ``Every day was kind of a struggle, but I got through it and I think I&#39;m stronger because of it.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Hill&#39;s freshman season at Arkansas began in the worst way possible. His mother, Penny, died around the start of practice in 2004. Hill tried admirably to stay focused, but he was obviously affected.<br> <br> ``It was tough, but he did the best he could,&#39;&#39; coach Stan Heath said Tuesday. ``And we were real proud that he was able to do that for us.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Hill played all 30 games for the Razorbacks in 2004-05, averaging 2.3 points and 2.3 rebounds. He also had 54 blocks. Then, during the offseason, he added about 20 pounds to his 7-foot frame.<br> <br> Now listed at 248 pounds, Hill has become a dangerous shot blocker for Arkansas. He&#39;s started six of the Razorbacks&#39; eight games this season, and his 21 blocks are a team high. Last week, Hill tied a school record with 10 blocked shots, helping Arkansas outlast Texas State 73-67 for its fourth straight win.<br> <br> ``He&#39;s a great, great shot blocker and a great post defender,&#39;&#39; teammate Jonathon Modica said.<br> <br> Hill&#39;s improvement can&#39;t be measured by his statistics alone. His defense has been an added luxury for the rest of the Razorbacks, who can gamble more on defense knowing Hill is waiting behind them.<br> <br> Arkansas (6-2) is averaging 10 steals a game, up from 8.7 a season ago.<br> <br> ``That&#39;s what we want to do,&#39;&#39; Hill said. ``We want to play aggressive on defense and not have to worry about getting beat so much.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Hill has almost doubled his rebounding average to 4.4 per game this season. He&#39;s averaging only 3.8 points but with players like Modica (14.6 ppg) and Ronnie Brewer (20.6) on the team, Hill doesn&#39;t have to score that much.<br> <br> ``Even though his numbers don&#39;t show it, he is still very effective for us offensively,&#39;&#39; Heath said. ``Just by his screening, being a guy who is a receiver in the offense and he&#39;s a good passer.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Heath says Hill&#39;s increased size is a major reason for his improvement.<br> <br> ``You see it in his play now,&#39;&#39; Heath said. ``He&#39;s a physical presence. He still moves around very well, he&#39;s got great timing, and for a guy his size, he moves his feet very well.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Hill is also a year older. Last season, he started 18 games one of several untested freshmen who received extensive playing time for the Razorbacks.<br> <br> Heath said that was a lot for the big man to handle especially after his mother&#39;s death.<br> <br> ``It&#39;s hard enough just being in your first year away from home,&#39;&#39; Heath said. ``It&#39;s your first year in college basketball playing at a high level.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Now, Hill has adjusted. His first season at Arkansas was a trying one, but he&#39;s making an impact as a sophomore and he&#39;s excited about his role in the Razorbacks&#39; strong start.<br> <br> ``I really consider myself one of the cornerstones of our defense,&#39;&#39; Hill said. ``That&#39;s what I like to do. I like to play defense.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/12/119957