At the UCLA Student Activities Center, Rico Hines meticulously prepares the space for the next wave of basketball players. As the congregation of athletes, ranging from NBA All-Stars to aspiring pros, spills out into the warm August air, Hines remains focused on his duties inside the sweltering second-floor gymnasium.
The former UCLA basketball player, now 45 years old, carries a trash can around the three hardwood courts, ensuring every paper cup and plastic bottle is disposed of. His attention to detail mirrors the dedication he instills in the dozens of players who participate in what is perhaps the most prestigious pickup basketball game on the planet.
Why NBA players keep flocking to a hot gym at UCLA: Inside the Rico Hines runs
“I try to lead by example,” Hines explains. “I’m not ‘too good’ for anything.” Despite his modest collegiate career, averaging just 2.2 points per game over four seasons, Hines has become an integral part of the UCLA campus during the summer. He serves as a bridge between the university’s basketball program and the NBA, allowing current UCLA players to test their skills against seasoned professionals. Moreover, Hines has influenced how NBA teams structure their offseason schedules in their quest for a competitive edge.
The late-summer runs organized by Hines mark the transition from leisurely vacations and music festivals to dedicated training for NBA players. The pickup games at UCLA attract a wide range of participants, including teams like the Sixers, Raptors, Kings, Clippers, Lakers, Pistons, Bucks, and the G League Ignite. Even the Houston Rockets, though not officially as a team, had regular attendees in Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.
Hines is aware of the game within the game, reluctantly embracing social media and arranging for highlights from the pickup games to be shared on Instagram. However, his priority remains basketball itself, emphasizing its teachings, playing it, and living it the right way. He is not swayed by the potential corporate and franchise influences that may infiltrate the gym. Hines’s focus lies in helping players achieve their goals and dreams while providing them with structure.
“I don’t get caught up in that,” Hines states, referring to external influences. “I get caught up in just trying to help guys accomplish their goals and dreams, man, and give them some structure.” He believes that the Basketball Gods will always reward a place like UCLA, with its rich history and the countless individuals who have found success within its walls.
As the NBA offseason progresses and the new season draws closer, the pickup games organized by Rico Hines continue to serve as a vital training ground for players. The UCLA gymnasium stands as a sacred space, preserving memories and witnessing the development of countless athletes. Hines’s unwavering commitment to the sport and his desire to nurture talent make the runs at UCLA an unmissable event for both players and teams alike.