Blake Hinson Says Pitt 'Changed My Life'
PITTSBURGH -- Blake Hinson has reinvented his career with the Pitt Panthers - transforming himself from Iowa State cast-off to a superstar in the ACC with a professional future either in the NBA or overseas.
As he and his team are amid a stunning mid-season turnaround that has them back in the NCAA Tournament conversation, Hinson reflected on what the journey has meant and how the people around Pitt have affected him.
"For the fans, I'd love to tell y'all," Hinson said during an appearance on the Jeff Capel Radio show this week. "Y'all literally changed my life from like a physical standpoint, but from a spiritual standpoint as well."
Hinson admitted that his enthusiasm for life and the game of basketball had been muted when he left Iowa State after riding the bench for two full seasons due to a medical issue. He was a proven, high-caliber Division I player and proved that at Ole Miss, where he averaged 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while knocking down 33% of his 3-point shots. Not being able to prove himself with the Cyclones wore on Hinson and marred the energy he has become known for.
"I can say my spirit was a little broken, to be honest with you, two years ago," Hinson said. "Just not playing the sport you love and I've always been an exuberant, confident person and when I came here, I wasn't that guy. Life just kind of got me, you know what I mean?"
Coming to Pitt revitalized that enthusiasm and love of the game and Hinson credits his coaches and the fans for something more important than all the points he's scored and wins he's powered the Panthers to. They brought his joy for the game and life back and that's something he will always be appreciative of.
"But because of the fans, because of these coaches - I have to add them too, because you guys wouldn't like me if it wasn't for these coaches - y'all changed my life and I'm not talking about physically," Hinson said. "Physically, that's cool, but spiritually it's a whole different - I'm not a morning person. Last two years, I found myself sleeping in a lot, not really looking forward to the days. Totally different now. Like, I'm popping up, 7:30, every day, all the time. So I appreciate y'all for all of that."
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