As we all know, in this 'game' there often tends to be more punches to the stomach than pats on the back. The world of pro hoops below the NBA level is a complete grind, without any guarantees and filled with decisions that are out of our control.

Like a lot of players out there, PG Marcus Hill (Agency: Excel Athlete Management), has been living the grind since leading his team, Makato St. University, to the DII final four and graduating in May of 2011. Last summer, he made all the stops on the showcase tour, I was lucky enough to meet him at our En Fuego Hoops Proof of Game Showcase at San Diego State in August.   At the time, he knew his D League draft chances were pretty secure but he wanted to keep his options open, test his game against different competition, which he did and did well and keep all of his options open.

Since graduating last may, he's been all over the US map and even had stop in Mexico (#SevenStrong), he we drafted by the Springfield Armor, released, picked back up again, then released, again...Head Coach Robert Mackinnon said Marcus is 'a year away from being a D League point guard...' which might cause some guys to back it off and be satisfied with that. Not, Marcus, he's still thirsting for his first long term pro contract, which he is getting closer to.

Marcus is using every available avenue to promote himself, which in the end, is the name of the game. He's a good example of a player who utilzes showcases, social media, his agent, family to get his name out there. Of course, having a game that speaks for itself doesn't hurt either.  Watch his evolution from standout senior to the D League, and almost everything in between, in only a year, it's amazing. For more information about Marcus, his availability, bio and stats you can visit: http://theevolutionofmarcushill.com/ #PLIY.LDOE