Robert Hite had a breakout season last year with Tri-State. With a game winner, many impactful plays and a major key to Tri-State’s success, he looks likely to get his name called on draft day. We sat down with Hite to discuss his season, what the BIG3 means to him and his off-the-court passions.
Last season seemed like a breakout year for you. How did you feel you did and what really ignited that?
I wish I would’ve been there from the beginning of the season. But, I think if I was there, we would’ve made the playoffs. Not to say it was all me. I just think I had chemistry with this team and we were doing really well towards the middle and end of the season.
A lot of people in the league talk about Dr. J and how much he’s helped them improve and grow. What did he say to you last season and what is it like having a coach like him?
Doc is one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met. I call him the Denzel Washington of basketball. He’s a great mentor and coach. He always told me to be aggressive, shoot the ball and stay ready.
What are your expectations for season 4?
Win. Win it all. We feel like the last few years we were right there. We bring our same team back, we can beat anybody. I really believe that.
You played in Miami during your early career, now you live there, what’s it like playing in front of the home crowd?
It’s awesome. I hadn’t played here in a long time. Anytime I get a chance to play again in front of friends and they see me in that light and on that court, it’s amazing. It’s just a cool thing and a good feeling. People who I know will say “I didn’t know you played like that?!” It’s always good to show people what you can do.
Who are some teammates and players that have helped you grow in the BIG3?
I mean, my teammates like Nate have been great. Him and I are the same age. His energy and his approach is special. His passion for the game is just amazing. I’ve always been a huge fan of his game and his mindset. He don’t take nothing from nobody. Amar’e, that’s my guy too. He lives here in Florida, so we always talk.
We know outside of BIG3 you have a lot of other ventures and passions, what are some of those?
I got into real estate about three years ago. Something I’ve always been interested in. It’s been great. In Miami, I handle like high-end, luxury units and houses. It’s mind-blowing to see these places and it’s great to be able to build connections with people.
What made you go into real estate and how has that process been for you?
It was from back home. We used to go to this thing called “home-o-rama.” Essentially, they would build a neighborhood and you could go see the houses and how they were laid out and designed. So in 2012, I tore my achilles and it really opened my mind about life after professional basketball. So I took the classes after my achilles injury and when I moved back to Florida in 2017, I finally took the test. One of my old college teammates, his brother, used to be one of the top luxury real-estate agents in Miami. So he really helped me and opened some doors with developers and properties for me. He would take me to meetings and I’d make sure to maintain those relationships and build my network.
Recently, you helped sell a property to David Beckham, how did that come about and what was that experience like?
That was my first closed sale. It’s crazy. To be able to say that’s my first close, it’s just incredible. It’s a testament to my hard work and I thank god every day. I was actually introduced to the opportunity through another former teammate of mine from the University of Miami. He actually had a relationship with a friend of the Beckhams. So they came down with their family, we walked them through the unit and they loved it. The rest is history.
Lastly, what can we expect from you in season 4?
Last season was a step up from my previous seasons. This season, expect 5 bars up from that. Expect to see the real Rob Hite in season 4. I want us to win the championship and personally, I want to step up and show what I can do.