Pops Gets It Poppin’ For the Pats

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Hillary 'Pops' Hailey, on the lane during a free throw

March 7, 2006 – Hillary ‘Pops’ Hailey is an accomplished basketball player, that found himself having to prove things, his senior year. Even though he earned a scholarship to Eastern Carolina University, Pops had to basically change positions, become the unquestioned leader of a young team that hadn’t spent much time together, and secure a qualifying entrance exam score. Hailey did all three, and in the process proved he is one of the best players in the D.C. area.

Pops has always been an offensive standout at Friendly High School, though prior to this year, it was in the paint as more of a power forward. According to his coach at Friendly, Brian Walker, Hailey averaged “around 18 points a game” last season, but, given his 6 foot 6, 210lb frame, the ECU coaching staff projected him to be a swingman in their league, Conference USA.

As a result of that, and to accommodate and utilize the growth of a young Friendly big man, Pops moved out to the wing. Despite the fact that such a migration away from the basket is a challenge for most, he excelled. Walker indicated the young guy accounted for approximately “20 points, and eight to nine rebounds” per contest, for the Patriots this season. Not only did he change positions, but put up better numbers while doing so.

Hailey excelled at operating in space more, but additionally improved his defensive skills. According to Walker, “Scoring has never been a problem” for the young man and he made sure Pops became a much better defender away from the basket. “A lot of people, when they see Pop, they fall in love with is scoring” said Walker. “I didn’t. I was on his behind about the defensive end”.

Pops responded to the challenge, and now will be able to perform more completely in college. Walker opined “He’s become that all-around player, who pays attention to the defensive game as well”. This includes moving his feet and focusing.

In addition to polishing his perimeter and defensive skills, Pops (the name was given to him by family members who said he jumped around like popcorn) has become the consummate leader, and takes much pride in it. Due to the Patriots having a number of young players who didn’t have a wealth of experience playing together, as well as some injuries, Friendly struggled early on.

Instead of just focusing on himself, Hailey embraced his status as captain and the responsibility of leading the team to improve. “I just had to come ready, 24-7, everyday. I just had to work hard…and basically just be a work horse, and show them that hard work pays off” said Pops. “I was ready to step up to that challenge”.

Walker agreed with that assessment, as he stated, “He did all he could to carry the team”, during those early rocky times. This was done through not only leading by example, but “being a vocal player on the floor, during timeouts, and during practice. He was the glue that held us together”.

The other Patriots listened to him and emulated his efforts, with the result being a 13-10 record, and an early round Maryland 2A/3A playoff victory, at arch-rival Gwynn Park. (See i95Ballerz.com’s 2.25.06 article ).

In Hailey's mind, playing for the DC Blue Devils AAU organizaton this summer also aided in his ability to lead Friendly: “Playing for the Blue Devils was a great experience…playing against some of the best players in the county, playing with some of the best players in the country…That carried over to my team with Friendly, because I saw how those guys out there (some of the Blue Devils) were leaders…If they could do it, I could do it too, because I feel like I’m that type of player as well - that can carry a team that can be a leader of a team.

Hailey plans to depart for ECU’s Greenville, North Carolina campus in July, now that he is fully qualified. He recently received notification that his desired ACT score was achieved, and indicated it was gained “by just staying in there and focusing”, in addition to attending test prep classes. Pops also added, “You always have to believe and pray”, of which he did.

That he was able meet his goals of gaining a scholarship and ensuring NCAA qualification is no surprise to anybody in his life – Pops is a battler. Walker shared “He’s the type of kid that fights the odds”.

The young man is extremely excited to enroll in ECU, and subsequently wear their purple and gold, as “Whenever you don’t have to pay for college, it’s a great feeling”. “I can’t wait to get down there and start working with Coach Ricky Stokes, and the staff” he further said, and throughout the year "caught a couple of their games on T.V”.

Pops also envisions himself “playing the 2 (shooting guard) or 3 (small forward) for Stokes. In anticipation, he constantly works “on is ball handling and shooting” and expects further work on those skills once he hits campus.

Walker has no pause regarding how good he will be at ECU, prognosticating “I can see him all-conference” down there. Part of the reason for that can be attributed to Hailey’s attitude. “You have some kids out there that think they know everything” said Walker. “Pops wants to learn, and asks questions. He’s a coach’s dream”.

When asked to provide an anecdote describing the player Hailey is, Friendly’s coach supplied this: “We had a game one Friday night, in which we won. They were going out to celebrate somebody’s birthday, and I gave them Saturday off. Pops called me and said ‘Coach, can I work out tomorrow?’ I said ‘No problem, but you have to show up at 7:30 am’. He was there! That’s the difference between players who wants it, as opposed to ones that are just playing ball”.

This young man is also a self-described “humble guy”, who credits his parents, Hillary and Stephanie Hailey, for much of his success. “They played a big role” he said. “Letting me get up in the morning and work out for three and four hours. Being at all my games. Telling me what I’m doing wrong, telling me what I need to do. Telling me how to be a better leader on the court”.

Hailey, upon being asked to share some advice that may be helpful to others, stated, “I just want to stress, work hard. In the long run, even if it may not be at that particular time, the hard work will pay off”.

That’s sage advice, which he clearly has utilized. Congratulations Pops. We at i95Ballerz.com are proud of you, and know that with your trademark hard work, the sky’s the limit.

Pops Calling For the Rock

Hailey at the Line

Pops Hailey