FC Bayern Basketball has completed the signing of experienced EuroLeague guard Darrun Hilliard. The number 38 pick in the 2015 NBA draft and a regular in last season’s Final Four participant CSKA Moscow’s starting five, Hilliard moves to Munich after two years with the Russian giants. The 28-year-old American has signed a one-year contract with the German cup winner that includes an option for an additional season.
"It gives us great pleasure that he is playing part in the continuation of our journey."
Daniele Baisi about Darrun Hilliard
Darrun Hilliard, who is currently on holiday back home in Pennsylvania with his wife and two-year-old son, said: “My journey so far has been really exciting and I’ve had a great time at CSKA Moscow, but it was time for a new challenge. Bayern has big ambitions; they reached the playoffs for the first time last season and of course we want to try and do it again. I have spoken with coach Trinchieri about my role a number of times. Everyone knows that he has a real basketball mind. I want to be creative on the court and use my experience. My wife and I are looking forward to being in Munich – it’s the right place for me right now.”
91 NBA games for Detroit and San Antonio
FCBB sporting director Daniele Baiesi has reached out to the former Detroits Pistons and San Antonio Spurs player, and is delighted that he’s finally been able to secure his signature: “We’ve had our eye on Darrun for a number of years and are over the moon that he has taken up the offer made to him by Marko [Pesic] and coach Trinchieri. Darrun is enthusiastic about our ideas for the future and has great confidence in them. His experience at the top level in the NBA and the EuroLeague will no doubt help us along the way too. We’re thrilled that he is now officially a part of our journey.”
The agile left-hander, who is also a close friend of Reggie Redding, is a Villanova University graduate (14.3 ppg in his final two years), just like the 2018 double-winner, and took part in the NCAA Tournament three years in a row with the Wildcats. He was drafted by the Pistons and coach Stan Van Gundy in the second round in June 2015. In his rookie season, which began with a broken nose, he played for the Denver Nuggets’ affiliate team Grand Rapids Gold (25.7 ppg). In 2017/18, he signed a two-way contract with San Antonio Spurs and their farm team, the Austin Spurs, who he won the NBA G League title with in 2018 (20.5 ppg).
VTB champion and in the Final Four with ZSKA
After a total of 91 games in the NBA (9.4 mpg, 3.2 ppg), Hilliard made his EuroLeague debut with Spanish side Saski Baskonia in autumn 2018. He averaged a good 20 minutes and ten points per game there, earning the guard a move to CSKA on an initial one-year deal. In his first season, his return (10.6 ppg) was slightly above his average over 98 EuroLeague games (9.5 ppg).
Hilliard was also a key played in the eastern European VTB League, averaging 11.9 and 10.4 points per game in the last two seasons respectively, and winning the title with CSKA in 2020/21. His best tally in the EuroLeague was a 31-point haul against Baskonia in November 2020. Hilliard reached the Final Four in Cologne with the four-time champions, but they were beaten 89-86 in the semi-final by eventual winners Anadolu Efes.
In September 2017, Darrun Hilliard played for the U.S. National Team and and won the gold medal at the FIBA AmeriCup (15 points in the 81-76 final win over Argentina).
DARRUN HILLIARD (*13. April 1993, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania/USA)
Shooting Guard/Small Forward – 6ft4 – 220 lb
Until 2011: Liberty High School, Bethlehem
2011 –2015: Villanova University (NCAA)
2015 – 2017: Detroit Pistons (NBA)
Grand Rapids Drive (NBA G League)
2017 – 2018: San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
Austin Spurs (NBA G League)
2018 – 2019: Baskonia Vítoria-Gasteiz
2019 – 2021: ZSKA Moskau
Achievements/awards
VTB United League 2021
Gomelsky Cup 2020
FIBA AmeriCup Champion 2017
NBA Draft Nr. 38 2015
Preseason Team All-Big East 2015 (NCAA)
Men’s All-District II Team 2014/2015 (NCAA)
Sporting News Second Team All American 2015 (NCAA)
All Big East First Team 2015 (NCAA)
Big 5 Player of the Year 2015 (NCAA)
All Big-East Selection 2014 (NCAA)
Big East Most Improved Player 2014 (NCAA)
All-Big 5 Second Team 2014 (NCAA)