In his first for the LA Lakers at the 2024 Summer League, Blake Hinson scored an impressive 25 points and five 3-pointers. He led the Lakers to a 107-81 win over the Chicago Bulls. Performances like these are what prompted the Lakers to sign Hinson in the first place. The 24-year-old will look forward to playing for the Lakers this season. Regardless, Hinson’s sports journey has been more than impressive. As a young athlete, Hinson was an extraordinary football player.

Growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida, Hinson went to the Warner Christian Academy, where he excelled in middle school football. His athletic journey began in the eighth grade, on the football field before he transitioned to basketball. His father, Denny Hinson, credited the strong football culture in their community for shaping Blake’s athletic skills. Living in a region where football was ingrained in every young kid, Blake’s unique combination of speed, size, and skills added to his abilities.“You don’t really have a choice if you’ve got size. They’ll make you feel bad about living life if you don’t play football, so, he and his brother, they’re both basketball people that were made to play football,” Denny told Pittsburh Sports Now.

At 6’5, Hinson dominated as a wide receiver, able to outpace and overtake defenders. According to his father, coaches indicated that Blake would continue to grow, and would eventually become a tight end, measuring around 6’7 and 250 pounds. “They could see it coming,” Denny said. His remarkable performance on the football court led to offers from top football programs, including universities such as Florida, Miami, and Georgia. The University of Michigan also offered him a scholarship based on his talents.

Despite a very promising future in football, Hinson developed a passion for another sport. He later shifted his focus to basketball, a move that would become a pivotal part of his athletic journey.

Blake Hinson: From football phenom to basketball star

Blake Hinson’s career change from football to basketball was a transformative shift in his athletic career. He earned All-ACC honors at the University of Pittsburgh, as the senior forward, averaging 18.8 points per game, and led the conference with 106 three-pointers. He was a highly valuable player for the Pitt Panthers because of his scoring from unique positions and strong rebounding skills.

The 24-year-old played college basketball at three programs but saw action with only two. He began his career at Ole Miss, where he started 58 of 60 games over two seasons. After redshirting the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons at Iowa Statedue to medical reasons, he finished his college career at Pittsburgh. There, Hinson was a regular starter, averaging 18.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.5 steals per game during his senior year.

“Coming to Pitt revitalized that enthusiasm and love of the game”,says Hinson. Despite being successful, he went undrafted into the 2024 NBA Draft. After going unselected in the 2024 NBA draft, Hinson signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 5, 2024.

In his early days with the Lakers, he adapted to the NBA level of skill. Analysts have emphasized his successful move from college to the professional ranks, recognizing that his diverse sports background has provided him with a special set of abilities. Hinson’s progress with the Lakers demonstrates his commitment and adaptability, transitioning from a football prodigy to a basketball star.

ESPN’s Darren Wolfson praised Hinson’s versatility and scoring ability, noting that he was impressed with his offensive skills and adaptability during the Summer League. “Hinson’s performance has shown that he can be a dynamic scorer and a valuable asset on both ends of the floor,” Wolfson noted.

Although he has played limited games, this is what his stats throughout his career look like:

From his early football achievements to his current success in basketball, Hinson’s journey underscores his ability to excel in multiple sports. As he continues to make an impact with the Los Angeles Lakers, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his career unfolds. His transition from football sensation to basketball star serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of pursuing one’s passion and the possibilities that arise from such dedication. Blake Hinson’s story is an interesting example of how diverse athletic experiences can shape a remarkable career.