After injury comeback, UNLV Senior Night 'means everything' to Jalen Hill

UNLV Rebels forward Jalen Hill (1) is introduced before during an NCAA basketball game against the Memphis Tigers at the Thomas & Mack Center Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Photo by Steve Marcus

Jalen Hill is getting a second shot at Senior Night, and he has certainly earned it.

When the Las Vegas native is honored before UNLV’s matchup against San Diego State tonight (8 p.m., CBS Sports Network), he is going to make sure to soak in every moment of his final home game at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“It means everything,” Hill said. “Growing up here, watching guys, going to games as a kid and watching the Mack get filled out, now being able to be that kid living out a dream, it means everything.”

It almost didn’t happen.

Technically this is Hill’s third senior ceremony. The first came in 2023 when he was part of a sendoff at Oklahoma, where he spent the first four years of his college career. He wasn’t done playing, however. He moved on to UNLV as a grad transfer for his final season, but his homecoming campaign was blown up early.

In a game at San Diego State on Jan. 6, 2024, Hill landed awkwardly and tore the ACL in his left knee. He underwent surgery that kept him out the rest of the season.

Instead of walking out to center court for last year’s Senior Night festivities, Hill watched from the sideline, determined to come back for another year — and go out on his own terms.

He rehabbed for months, working to get cleared for the 2024-25 season opener.

“It’s the most I’ve ever been through as a person and as a player,” Hill said.

Hill finally got the go-ahead from doctors just before UNLV’s first game, and Kevin Kruger put him right into the starting lineup. Hill logged 19 minutes and posted four points, two assists and a block in a 93-79 victory over Alabama State.

Hill has started all 29 games this season, making him he only UNLV player to accomplish that feat. He is averaging 8.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists while playing strong defense across multiple positions.

In just under 10 months, Hill went from facing his basketball mortality to getting back on the court as a productive member of the team.

“That’s something that doesn’t get mentioned a lot,” Kruger said. “For his senior year, he finally got full clearance a couple days before the first game and hit the ground running.”

Hill has made the most of his final go-round, but now that there are just two games remaining in the regular season, he has begun contemplating the end. Whether the Scarlet and Gray reach the end of the line at some point in the Mountain West tournament or with a miracle run to the big dance, at some point the final buzzer is going to sound.

Hill understands better than anyone that it can come to an abrupt conclusion at any time, which is why he is embracing his second (third) chance.

“I’ve definitely been thinking about it,” Hill said. “It’s a lot, actually. [I’m] excited because I’ve been in college for six years, but I’ll never get this experience back, so having pride for being here and also feeling a little bit sad about it because it’s my last home game in college.”

Kruger, who went through Senior Night as a UNLV player in 2007, knows how meaningful it’s going to be for Hill.

“I’m sure there’s going to be some emotions, just knowing him and the family for as long as we have,” Kruger said. “As a player, it’s an emotional night.”

Hill’s parents, sister and girlfriend will be in attendance at the Mack on Tuesday. He said he doesn’t plan to alter his pregame routine or let the sentiment reach him until after the game. He has a job to do, after all, and that’s helping UNLV win.

That, Kruger believes, will be what Hill — and UNLV fans — remember most about his time here.

“I know that every day here is special for him. The way he plays and the way he tries as much as he can to help UNLV win games is where it shows the most.”

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.