By Jack Davis
In defeating Ridgeview High School 70-47, Greg Hilliard not only advanced his Wolverines to the state quarterfinals, but also captured his 500th career victory as head coach of Harvard-Westlake boysâ basketball.
In his 24-year Harvard-Westlake career, besides the 500 victories, Hilliardâs teams have produced two NBA players, numerous Division 1 athletes and amassed two state titles, eight CIF Southern Sectional Championships and in 2002-2005 reached four consecutive CIF Championship games, winning three.
Despite the rarity of his accomplishment, Hilliard appreciates the length of his career more than the wins he has accumulated.
“Itâs actually doesnât matter at all. Itâs just an arbitrary number,” Hilliard said. “If you coach long enough you amass some wins. Iâm proud that Iâve been able to coach for a long time.”
Even with his impressive win total and the long duration of his career, Hilliard focuses on his future with the team.
“I love working here and hope to continue for years to come,” Hilliard said. When you enjoy your work and canât really separate it from play, the time really flies by.”
