Winston Hill, the new color analyst for The Citadel basketball broadcasts, has a longstanding connection to the program that extends beyond his recent role behind the microphone. His involvement with The Citadel began in childhood, shaped by the legacy of his father, Kent Hill, who played for the Bulldogs from 1984 to 1988. Kent Hill appeared in over 100 games and finished his career among the top scorers and rebounders in school history.
Winston Hill recalls attending alumni weekends and basketball camps at McAlister Field House as a child. “We always came back every year,” he said. “This place meant so much to me and to my family. We’ll forever be in debt.”
After playing three seasons at Presbyterian and two at Francis Marion—where he scored more than 1,400 points in his college career—Hill transferred to The Citadel as a graduate student. His decision was influenced by family ties and personal history with the institution. “When I finally committed, my dad was so happy,” Hill said. “He tried his best not to show it, but he started smiling and he gave me a hug and we all celebrated.”
Hill emphasizes that relationships formed during his time as a player remain important to him. “The most memorable moments for me are just the time with my guys in the locker room,” he said. He remains close with former teammates such as Elijah Morgan and Quentin Malloy Brown.
An injury ended Hill’s playing career unexpectedly, forcing him to consider new options. “It was hard because once I stopped playing, it was an abrupt ending to my basketball career,” he said. “I wanted to go play overseas and I was capable of doing it, so I had to pivot.” Initially frustrated by this change, Hill eventually found an opportunity when head coach Ed Conroy encouraged him to join the radio broadcast team during his recovery.
“Coach Conroy convinced me to do the radio the year I got hurt,” Hill said. “He said he didn’t like to see me look miserable on the bench, so he got me to do the radio.” This led Director of Broadcasting Lucas Ferreira to offer him a chance for further involvement: “He said, ‘We have a slot open for our last game. Would you like to do it?’… Life’s about taking chances. I jumped in the deep end and I’ve been loving it ever since.”
Transitioning from player to analyst brought new challenges for Hill. “The biggest adjustment is not being able to affect the game,” he explained. However, he believes that recent playing experience gives analysts valuable insight: “I think the best color analysts are people who have played basketball before, especially people who’ve played recently… I know exactly what Coach Conroy wants and how he wants his team to play.”
Hill aims for each broadcast to inform and entertain listeners: “I like to educate… You’re going to get educated about different things about the game… I think you’re going to get a laugh… You’re just going to have a good time.” He also sees his role as part of a larger purpose: “I think God has put people on this earth for certain things… I try my best to make you smile and make you feel good.”
Further details about Winston Hill’s journey can be found on The Citadel Basketball’s official site (https://t.co/JbA4DI9zki).
