July 14, 2025
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Blake Hinson’s basketball journey has been anything but typical. From bouncing between college programs to declaring for the NBA Draft, going undrafted, and now finally securing a two-way contract, Hinson’s story is one that embodies resilience, evolution, and raw talent. It’s not every day that a player with his kind of arc lands squarely in the national spotlight, but that’s exactly where Hinson finds himself now. Armed with a deep shooting range and the kind of confidence that refuses to waver, he’s not just another name on the roster—he’s a living example of how betting on yourself can pay off.

Coming out of Deltona, Florida, Blake Hinson was a highly touted recruit with the build and skillset of a modern wing. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing around 230 pounds, he always had the physicality to bang inside, the wingspan to contest shots, and the agility to defend multiple positions. But it was his shooting stroke, smooth and unbothered by distance, that first turned heads. At each stop in his collegiate career, whether it was Ole Miss, Iowa State, or Pittsburgh, Hinson left flashes—sometimes stretches—of brilliance. The issue was never his raw ability, but the question of whether he could translate that into consistent, pro-level impact.

At Pitt, Hinson finally found something close to a home. It wasn’t just that he put up points; it was how he did it. Night after night, he became a reliable offensive engine for the Panthers, drilling deep threes with alarming confidence. He shot over 38% from beyond the arc during his final season, and his range often extended well past the NBA three-point line. While others hesitated at 25 feet, Hinson let it fly without second-guessing. It was more than showmanship. It was a weapon.

But as draft night came and went without his name being called, there was a familiar sting. For many prospects, going undrafted can feel like a death sentence. For Hinson, it seemed to reinforce a broader narrative that had followed him for years—underrated, overlooked, but never irrelevant. The two-way contract that came shortly after, however, changed the tone of the story. Not just a consolation prize, a two-way deal represents opportunity, flexibility, and the real chance to carve out a place in the NBA.

Two-way contracts allow players to split time between the NBA and its G League affiliate, developing against high-level competition while being readily available for call-ups. And in Hinson’s case, it might be the perfect launchpad. His skillset translates beautifully to today’s game. In a league increasingly obsessed with spacing, shooting, and size on the wing, Hinson offers all three. He doesn’t just hit open threes—he creates shots out of thin air, dribbles into pull-ups, and thrives in broken plays. His confidence is infectious, and in the G League, where development is the name of the game, that kind of self-belief can be rocket fuel.

Beyond the shooting, Hinson has begun to evolve into a two-way presence. While his defense was a work in progress during college, he’s shown flashes of becoming a credible wing defender. He’s got the body to switch across three, even four positions on defense, and he doesn’t shy away from contact. That, coupled with his rebounding tenacity, gives coaches plenty to work with. He may never be a lockdown defender in the mold of Kawhi Leonard, but he doesn’t have to be. If Hinson can hold his own defensively and shoot in the high 30s from deep, his value skyrockets.

His mentality has always been his greatest asset. There’s a certain edge to the way Hinson plays. He’s not just trying to fit in—he’s trying to prove something. To himself. To the scouts who passed on him. To anyone who ever doubted he belonged. That fire burns in every shot he takes from the logo, every closeout he sprints at full speed, every rebound he wrestles away from taller opponents. And when you combine that attitude with skill, the results can be explosive.

NBA teams covet shooters like Hinson. They also covet wings who can guard and rebound. When you find a player who can do all three and is still developing, you invest. That’s what makes this two-way deal so intriguing. It’s a foot in the door, yes, but also a potential homecoming to the highest level of basketball. He won’t be handed anything. He’ll have to earn every minute, every rotation spot, every call-up. But that’s never scared him off before.

What separates Hinson from other players trying to make their way through two-way deals is the polish in his offensive game. This isn’t a raw athlete who’s learning how to shoot. This is a shooter who’s learning how to dominate. His release is quick, and his shot preparation is elite. He knows where his spots are, and he moves without the ball like a seasoned veteran. That kind of floor-spacing gravity doesn’t just help him score—it opens up lanes for teammates and stresses defenses in all directions.

If there’s an X-factor to watch with Hinson, it’s how he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NBA game. At the college level, his physical tools and shooting carried him. But in the pros, decision-making, help defense, and shot selection all become exponentially more important. The good news is that Hinson has shown he’s a quick learner. Every stop along the way, he’s improved. Every setback has become a setup for growth.

There’s also something to be said for personality. Hinson is a likable, driven player who brings energy to any gym he steps into. He connects with teammates. He listens to coaches. And he plays with a joy that is impossible to fake. In an era where chemistry matters just as much as talent, those intangibles matter. They help you earn trust, stay ready, and stick around.

In many ways, Blake Hinson’s story is still being written. This two-way contract isn’t the endgame—it’s the start of a new chapter. He’ll grind in the G League, get his reps, and wait for the moment when opportunity knocks. And when it does, don’t be surprised if he bursts onto the scene with a 15-point night, draining threes and snarling on the way back down the court. He’s got that kind of flair. That kind of hunger.

For now, Hinson is in a sweet spot—old enough to be experienced, young enough to be molded, confident enough to know he belongs, humble enough to keep working. It’s a rare combination. One that could lead to a long career if he continues to improve and embrace the challenge.

There’s a lesson in Hinson’s rise: talent is essential, but persistence is everything. He didn’t get to the NBA through hype or privilege. He fought for it, stayed ready, and bet on his shot—both literal and metaphorical. That kind of journey resonates in locker rooms, front offices, and fan bases alike.

So yes, Blake Hinson’s got range. But his range goes beyond how far out he can shoot. It speaks to the range of his growth, the range of his skill set, and the range of possibilities now open to him. With a two-way contract and the whole league watching, he’s officially in the mix. And from here on out, don’t be surprised if he makes every second count.

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