Lakers Billy "The Hill" McGill invents jump hook, overcomes homelessness

A Laker Life: The story of Billy "The Hill" McGill - The LA native was one of the best basketball players in the country, played for the Lakers, became homeless and rose up again. (Producer/Editor)

[@trentholmberg4291]

I started going to Utah b-ball games in the late 70s. I heard so many stories about The Hill from my parents and always wished I’d had the chance to see him play. He’s still probably the most legendary player to ever play for the Utes!

[@HiNRGboy]

Hook shots are my favorite shots because of guys like Billy The Hill McGill, it's a far more fun shot to make than the regular jumper. Love and much respect RIP Bill McGill definitely one of my basketball idols.

[@MrJamesbond22]

I was watching Cal Vs UCLA, Bill Walton was the analyst and he mentioned Billy Hill McGillwho invented the jump hook shot. What I've never of the man, and I follow college basketball! Its always a joy listening to big Bill Walton. And thank you Erick Galindo for this fine video.

[@nikonoga1979]

Much respect to you Bill McGill. RIP

[@ad8keez777]

Rest In Peace Daddy

[@stephaniemcgill-ut8ep]

Please hit me. Uncle Malone's brother was my dad Willie McGill. I'm Stephanie. Aunt Laura was my dad and uncle Malone's sister.

[@stephaniemcgill-ut8ep]

Hit me. You are my family

[@stephaniemcgill-ut8ep]

❤😢😂

[@joshh2370]

wow you are my sister, this crazy

[@Breaff1]

My name is Bryan McGill this was some of the most information I got about my father

[@stephaniemcgill-ut8ep]

Please hit me. My name is Stephanie McGill. My dad Willie McGill was my dad. Uncle Malons was my dad's brother. Aunt Laura was my dad's sister and Uncle Malone's sis. Mom Bert was their mom. Please tell me how to reach u.

[@stephaniemcgill-ut8ep]

😂

[@kincamell2]

No Joke.

[@entrance554]

Sorry, but Billy did not shoot the Jump Hook, but instead, the Sky Hook like Jabar. I invented the modern Jump Hook in 1971 in Pittsburgh, when my friends hit that 12 year old growth spurt a year before me. The Author obviously does not know Ball.

[@entrance554]

No discredit to Billy and his magnificent rendition of the Sky Hook. Much respect!

[@alexanderzebroski2391]

I don't claim to have invented it, but I was using a jump hook from 1959 onward. Blessed with some hops, I only perfected it with my right hand. I would get my left shoulder perpendicular to the rim, jump strong off both legs, extend my right arm straight back behind my head while keeping my eye on the hoop and just flick my wrist toward the hoop. My range was comfortable from close in out to 17 feet from any angle on the court. The first time I saw McGill was at the Garden. He had several varieties of hook shot. One was similar to Alcindor's "sky hook." Another was just your classic Mikan hook common in that day. But, he definitely had a jump hook and what was remarkable to me was that he had effortless range out to the head of the circle. The story about Wilt was very interesting. Wilt would practice jump hooks, but never used it in a game. He really didn't need to. I wonder if he picked the shot up from Billy.