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Saint Louis Billikens award final scholarship to Aaron Hines

By Patrick Karraker

Jan 28, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Saint Louis Billikens guard Aaron Hines (24) shoots over George Washington Colonials guard Jordan Roland (14) during the second half at Charles E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Saint Louis Billikens guard Aaron Hines (24) shoots over George Washington Colonials guard Jordan Roland (14) during the second half at Charles E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Hines gets a much-deserved scholarship for the 2017-18 season after starting 24 games as a walk-on last season

As the St. Louis Post-Dispatch‘s Stu Durando reported on Tuesday, the Saint Louis Billikens have awarded their final open scholarship for the 2017-18 season to point guard Aaron Hines. Hines, who came to SLU as a walk-on before the 2014-15 season, was awarded a one-year scholarship before his sophomore season but had returned to walk-on status last season.

Hines provided a fine example for all the collegiate athletes that get discouraged and transfer when faced with that type of situation, responding by stepping into the Billikens’ starting point guard job for most of the 2016-17 season after projected starter Jermaine Bishop suffered a season-ending injury. In 33 games, including 24 starts, Hines averaged 28.5 minutes, 6.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. While starting all 18 of the Billikens’ A-10 contests, Hines averaged a team-high 37.3 minutes per game along with 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and a team-best 3.3 assists per contest.

Giving Hines a scholarship for this season has seemed like an obvious move for a long time, as the Billikens only have one returning scholarship senior (Davell Roby) but will need to clear two spots for 2018-19 commits Fred Thatch and Carte’are Gordon. While they guaranteed spots for both of those players next season by adding graduate transfer Rashed Anthony last month, the addition of Hines to the scholarship roster will allow coach Travis Ford to pursue another high school player or another one of his beloved Division I transfers heading into the ’18-’19 season.

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It’s debatable how much playing time Hines will get this season, as Bishop will be back, and they’ll be able to use Boston College transfer Ty Graves once he becomes eligible in December. Combo guards Jordan Goodwin and Adonys Henriquez could also fit in at the point guard position if necessary. Regardless of SLU’s plans for him this season, though, Hines deserved to be rewarded for the way he stepped up during the 2016-17 season, and now he’s been fairly compensated.

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