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By MARK PATTON NEWS-PRESS SENIOR WRITER
The young Goleta boy would ride his bike to the convenience store on Encina Road every chance he got, but not just for the snacks.
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Little Ben Howland also wanted to talk basketball with the teenage clerk.
“I met Jay Hillock when I was 7, hanging out at the 7-Eleven store where he used to work,” said Howland, who has since guided four different schools to the NCAA Tournament.
That meeting of the young minds resulted in two of the most respected careers in basketball.
Howland won national coach of the year honors at Pittsburgh in 2002 and again at UCLA in 2006 when he took the Bruins to the first of three straight Final Fours.
He had just guided Mississippi State to its first NCAA Tournament in a decade when Hillock, now 71, called it quits last year after his own 42 seasons in the sport.
Hillock spent 17 of those seasons as a collegiate coach and 25 in the NBA. That included a dozen years as Director of Pro Personnel for the Chicago Bulls and then two more as a scout before he settled down for good at his Ventura home with wife Cindy.
His lofty ascent in the game of basketball came as no surprise to those who knew him during the 1960s as Goleta’s King Gym Rat. He was the first of four Goleta Boys Club members to become NCAA Division I coaches, with Howland, Larry Lessett (Maryland-Eastern Shore) and Shantay Legans (Eastern Washington) following in his footsteps.
That was evident even when Hillock was on the bench as a senior during San Marcos High’s run to the CIF semifinals in 1967.
“I made it a point to sit next to Jay to listen to him wax poetic about what was going on the floor — match-ups, who should be substituted, what kind of offense should we run,” said teammate Laird Hayes, who would continue on to a long career as an NFL referee. “Jay was a basketball savant. He saw things on the court that I never saw.”
Classmate Jeff Nelson, the star of those 25-4 Royals who would become a two-sport athlete at Cal Poly, saw “both passion and smarts” in his San Marcos teammate.
“We called him Pops as he seemed like a middle-aged, Midwestern basketball coach in high school,” Nelson said.
Hillock was actually born in Hoosier country. He moved from Indiana to California at age 12 when General Motors transferred his father to Goleta’s Delco Electronics. His parents, Jesse and Ann, became major figures on the Santa Barbara tennis scene. Jay, the eldest of their five children, was more set on a life in basketball.
He earned his bachelor’s degree at Gonzaga University and his master’s at Cal Poly in 1975 before volunteering to help Santa Barbara City College’s new coach, Ed De Lacy.
Howland’s family had moved to Cerritos when he was a sophomore in high school, but Hillock recruited him right back to Santa Barbara to play for the Vaqueros. Within the next three years, they became the top-ranked community college team in California.
“We went 33-2, and 10 of us from that team went on to play at fouryear schools,” said Rich Alvari,
By MARK PATTON
NEWS-PRESS SENIOR WRITER
The NCAA officially removed the College Cup from UCSB’s athletic calendar on Thursday.
NCAA president Mark Emmert announced that, “We cannot, at this point, have fall championships” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Final Four for men’s soccer, which was previously held at UCSB’s 16,000-seat stadium in 2010 and 2018, was set to make a third return on Dec. 11 and 13.
UCSB athletic director John McCutcheon said he had already notified the NCAA that his university would be incapable
another former San Marcos star who played at SBCC from 1977-79. “Jay and Ed had a lot to do with that.”
The late Dan Fitzgerald, Gonzaga’s coach and athletic director at the time, brought Hillock back to his alma mater as an assistant coach in 1979. He’d seen enough within two years, promoting him to be his successor. At age 32, the Goleta gym rat had become one of the youngest head coaches in Division I basketball.
The Zags, who now rein among the college basketball elite, were a bare-bones program in those days with a recruiting budget of just $7,500. They toured California’s high school gyms in an old, battered car that they warehoused in San Francisco. They’d even sleep in it when they ran out of hotel money.
Fitzgerald knew he needed a work horse to take over his program.
John Stockton, Hillock’s star player and a future NBA Hall of Famer, remembers the young coach doing much of the grunt work around Gonzaga’s old gym.
He brought another hardworking Hillock — his younger brother Joe — onto his staff. Joe spent a dozen years at Gonzaga and is still coaching basketball at a high school in Utah.
Hillock also hired Howland — the kid who liked to talk basketball over Slurpees — to be his first graduate assistant. He brought Alvari into the same position a few years later.
He had a vital assignment for Howland after his backup point guard left school, asking him to match up against Stockton in of holding the event, especially with the coronavirus protocol that would have been required.
“We’ve had several calls with them leading up to this,” he said. “When our fall season got canceled by our conference, we told them that it would be extremely difficult for us to host.
“We called them again last week and had a conversation in which we said that we just can’t do it.”
Although men’s soccer and other fall sports could still be played next spring, McCutcheon said UCSB still would be hardpressed to host the College Cup.
“It’s a different situation for us in the spring, depending on what the timing is,” he said. “If all of
COURTESY PHOTOS
Above, Jay Hillock, who was John Stockton’s head basketball coach at Gonzaga, helped induct the former NBA star into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. Attending the event in Kansas City were, from left, former assistant coach Bruce Wilson, Hillock, Stockton, and former assistant coach Rich Alvari. At left, Mr. Hillock shows his passion while coaching basketball at Gonzaga University during the 1980s.
practice.
Stockton thought nothing of the kind.
Hillock took the same approach with the future Utah Jazz star.
“Jay was very high-energy and a speedy talker,” Stockton said. “I remember once when he was trying to get my attention, he had both hands on my cheeks and was slapping them. I can’t remember the lesson he was trying to teach, but he wanted to make sure I heard it.
Gonzaga posted a 60-50 record during Hillock’s four seasons as head coach. They even upset DePaul in Chicago when Ray Meyer had the Blue Demons ranked among the nation’s top teams. But a rash of injuries kept the Zags from continuing on to the NCAA Tournament.
“I thought we had a great chance my senior year, but literally everybody except me in that senior class got hurt,” Stockton pointed out.
The frustrations, Hillock admitted, were difficult to handle. He stepped down after the Zags, who had started the 1984-85 season with a 13-5 record, finished at just 15-13.
But that changed after Hillock was recruited to be the top assistant at Loyola Marymount. He played a key role in the Lions’ 1990 run to the NCAA Elite Eight, implementing the man-to-man press that complemented coach Paul Westhead’s run-and-gun offense. our fall sports are playing in the spring, our staff would be spread out too thin. I can’t envision handling all that and still hosting the championships.”
He expects the NCAA to make a quick decision about moving fall sports to the spring or simply canceling seasons altogether.
“I think there’s going to be unbelievable pressure put on them to come up with a format soon,” McCutcheon said.
He’s against conducting a season that consists of just a handful of games.
“You can’t ask an athlete to burn a season of eligibility if there’s not a significant season,” he said. “We first have to see what
Hillock took over the program when Westhead and the team’s top players moved on. He was fired after posting a win-loss record of 31-28 over two seasons
But he still knew what he was meant to be: that basketball savant that Laird Hayes had once identified in 1967. The Utah Jazz hired Hillock as a scout in 1994, beginning a quartercentury odyssey in the NBA that included stops in Washington and Vancouver.
Scott Layden, then the general manager of the New York Knicks, eventually lured him to Madison Square Garden in 2002 to be his Director of Pro Personnel.
“What always strikes me about Jay is how incredibly humble and modest he is, especially considering what he’s accomplished in the game of basketball,” Layden said. “He has always been dedicated to the profession, as a student and teacher of the game.
“His excitement and passion for coaching and scouting isn’t just obvious, it’s contagious. He reminds me why we are all so lucky to do what we do.
That never wavered, whether he was tending counter at a 7-Eleven or taking his final tour of duty with the Chicago Bulls.
“Jay had a great career,” Howland said. “He was highly regarded and so well-liked in the league.
NCAA cancels December’s College Cup at UCSB
McCutcheon is unsure when UCSB’s student-athletes will be allowed back on campus.
“There are a lot of moving parts to that,” he said. “What do we need to do to comply with the guidelines set by the NCAA, and by the state, and by the county? What are the requirements in regards to access to facilities?
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Mary Lloyd (Dow) Mills, 82, of Solvang, CA passed away Mary Lloyd (Dow) Mills, 82, of Solvang, CA passed away on the morning of August 4, 2020. She was born in Midon the morning of August 4, 2020. She was born in Midland, Michigan on August 9, 1937. land, Michigan on August 9, 1937.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 63 She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Kendall Mills, their three children, Bonnie, David, years, Kendall Mills, their three children, Bonnie, David, and Chris Mills and their spouses, Doug Eicher, Wanda and Chris Mills and their spouses, Doug Eicher, Wanda Mills, and Mireille Mills; their grandchildren Charles Mills, and Mireille Mills; their grandchildren Charles Dennis, Addison Mills, Taggart Mills, Tilly Mills, MariDennis, Addison Mills, Taggart Mills, Tilly Mills, Marisol Mills, and Lautner Mills. She is also survived by her sol Mills, and Lautner Mills. She is also survived by her brother, Mike Dow and his family; and her sister, Barbara brother, Mike Dow and his family; and her sister, Barbara (Dow) Carras and her family. (Dow) Carras and her family.
Mary Lloyd, known to all as Lloyd, was a passionate and outspoken young person. She Mary Lloyd, known to all as Lloyd, was a passionate and outspoken young person. She attended the Leelanau School in Michigan and then went on to Connecticut College for attended the Leelanau School in Michigan and then went on to Connecticut College for her freshman year. She began dating Ken Mills, who was a senior at Yale University, her freshman year. She began dating Ken Mills, who was a senior at Yale University, and there was no turning back. After her sophomore year of college, she married Ken and there was no turning back. After her sophomore year of college, she married Ken and they moved to Kassel, Germany while he was serving in the U.S. Army. They loved and they moved to Kassel, Germany while he was serving in the U.S. Army. They loved their time in Germany and were able to take advantage of weekends away for visits to their time in Germany and were able to take advantage of weekends away for visits to other areas of Europe. Lloyd and Ken returned to Michigan after their time in Germaother areas of Europe. Lloyd and Ken returned to Michigan after their time in Germany. In 1962, Ken’s work brought him to Los Angeles, California. Settling in Pasadena, ny. In 1962, Ken’s work brought him to Los Angeles, California. Settling in Pasadena, Lloyd kept busy raising her Àrst two children and returning to college to earn her unLloyd kept busy raising her Àrst two children and returning to college to earn her undergraduate degree. She graduated from Occidental College in 1965 with a degree in dergraduate degree. She graduated from Occidental College in 1965 with a degree in philosophy. Always interested in furthering her education, Lloyd later completed her philosophy. Always interested in furthering her education, Lloyd later completed her Master’s Degree in German from UCSB in 1990. Master’s Degree in German from UCSB in 1990.
After ten years in Pasadena, Lloyd, Ken, and their now three children moved to After ten years in Pasadena, Lloyd, Ken, and their now three children moved to Solvang, California in June of 1972. They wanted a change of pace for their family and Solvang, California in June of 1972. They wanted a change of pace for their family and to spend more time outdoors. Lloyd fell in love with the Santa Ynez Valley and became to spend more time outdoors. Lloyd fell in love with the Santa Ynez Valley and became even more passionate about spending time outside and developing her hiking skills. In even more passionate about spending time outside and developing her hiking skills. In 1978 with support from some very good friends, she led the effort to found the Santa 1978 with support from some very good friends, she led the effort to found the Santa Ynez Valley Women Hikers (SYVWH). She created this group, which still exists today Ynez Valley Women Hikers (SYVWH). She created this group, which still exists today and is well-regarded in the Santa Barbara County area, as a way to develop new friendand is well-regarded in the Santa Barbara County area, as a way to develop new friendships, nurture a strong feeling of camaraderie between members, explore new areas of ships, nurture a strong feeling of camaraderie between members, explore new areas of the county’s many trails, all while staying in shape and spending time in the open air. the county’s many trails, all while staying in shape and spending time in the open air. This group of women became an important core of Lloyd’s social group, enlarging to inThis group of women became an important core of Lloyd’s social group, enlarging to include a book club, knitting and sewing circles, a bridge club, social events (men included clude a book club, knitting and sewing circles, a bridge club, social events (men included here), and travel to other places to hike, in the U.S. and Europe. here), and travel to other places to hike, in the U.S. and Europe.
In the late 1980s, Lloyd and Ken began to increase their travel and started taking In the late 1980s, Lloyd and Ken began to increase their travel and started taking hiking trips to the mountains of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the mid-1990’s hiking trips to the mountains of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the mid-1990’s they decided to go out on their own and lead organized trips of friends and other hikers. they decided to go out on their own and lead organized trips of friends and other hikers. Lloyd never missed a summer going to her beloved mountains until this year when it Lloyd never missed a summer going to her beloved mountains until this year when it became impossible to travel. became impossible to travel.
For many years from the 1960s-1980s, Lloyd and Ken were active members in the For many years from the 1960s-1980s, Lloyd and Ken were active members in the Christian Science Church in Pasadena and Ballard, and later the Unity Church in Christian Science Church in Pasadena and Ballard, and later the Unity Church in Santa Barbara. They were involved as leaders and supporters and made many friends Santa Barbara. They were involved as leaders and supporters and made many friends both in Pasadena and Santa Barbara. both in Pasadena and Santa Barbara.
Lloyd was passionate about the arts and was an ongoing patron and supporter of the Lloyd was passionate about the arts and was an ongoing patron and supporter of the local theatre and music groups in Solvang and Santa Barbara. She gave generously local theatre and music groups in Solvang and Santa Barbara. She gave generously of her time and served on the Board of CAMA (Community Arts Music Association of of her time and served on the Board of CAMA (Community Arts Music Association of Santa Barbara) and many other local nonpro Santa Barbara) and many other local nonproÀ Àt community boards over the years. t community boards over the years.
Her family wishes to thank all of her dear friends for supporting Lloyd over the years Her family wishes to thank all of her dear friends for supporting Lloyd over the years and for bringing her so much joy. Those close to her gave meaning and purpose to her and for bringing her so much joy. Those close to her gave meaning and purpose to her life in a way that all of her family appreciates and treasures. life in a way that all of her family appreciates and treasures.
A private gathering was held with a few family members on what would have been A private gathering was held with a few family members on what would have been Lloyd’s 83rd birthday on August 9. A physically-distanced memorial was also held at Lloyd’s 83rd birthday on August 9. A physically-distanced memorial was also held at Nojoqui Falls Park with her beloved hiking group, where all gathered in a circle and Nojoqui Falls Park with her beloved hiking group, where all gathered in a circle and blew bubbles into the air in Lloyd’s honor. In lieu of blew bubbles into the air in Lloyd’s honor. In lieu of Á Áowers, donations in Lloyd’s name owers, donations in Lloyd’s name may be made to the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation at www.syvalleyfoundation.org or may be made to the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation at www.syvalleyfoundation.org or CAMA at www.camasb.org. Lloyd’s family knows that she built a strong community CAMA at www.camasb.org. Lloyd’s family knows that she built a strong community and that there are many who cared for her, but during this difÀcult time they ask that and that there are many who cared for her, but during this difÀcult time they ask that all refrain from reaching out to her husband, Ken. all refrain from reaching out to her husband, Ken.
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LOCAL FIVE-DAY FORECAST
TODAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY
Sunny
INLAND 104 61 COASTAL 80 62
Mostly sunny
INLAND 106 62 COASTAL 83 63
Partly sunny
INLAND 99 67 COASTAL 79 64
Partly sunny and beautiful INLAND 105 63 COASTAL 78 64
Pismo Beach 82/59
Shown is today's weather. Temperatures are today's highs and tonight's lows.
Guadalupe 83/59
Vandenberg 76/58 Santa Maria 87/61
Los Alamos 97/62 New Cuyama 107/67
Lompoc Buellton 94/61 Solvang 100/63 80/57 SANTA BARBARA
AIR QUALITY KEY Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2020 Gaviota Source: airnow.gov 79/63 Goleta 83/63 80/62 Carpinteria 79/63
ALMANAC Good Moderate Unhealthy for SG Unhealthy Very Unhealthy Not Available MARINE FORECAST SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL Ventura 77/65
Santa Barbara through 6 p.m. yesterday Wind west-southwest 7-14 knots today. Waves 2 feet TEMPERATURE or less with a south-southeast swell 1-3 feet at 11 High/low 84/58 seconds. Visibility clear. Normal high/low 74/58 POINT ARENA TO POINT PINOS Record high 90 in 1994 Wind west-northwest 4-8 knots today. Waves 2 feet Record low 49 in 1988 or less with a south-southwest swell 2-4 feet at 16 PRECIPITATION 24 hours through 6 p.m. yest. 0.00” Month to date (normal) 0.00” (0.05”) Season to date (normal) 11.57” (17.62”) seconds. Visibility clear. Wind west-northwest 4-8 knots today. Waves 2 feet or less with a south-southwest swell 2-4 feet at 16 seconds. Visibility clear. POINT CONCEPTION TO MEXICO
LOCAL TEMPS TIDES Today Sat. SANTA BARBARA HARBOR TIDES City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Date Time High Time Low
Cuyama 107/67/s 109/69/s Aug. 14 8:37 a.m. 3.5’ 1:48 a.m. 0.6’ Goleta 83/63/s 87/63/s 6:51 p.m. 5.5’ 12:21 p.m. 2.9’ Lompoc 83/61/pc 79/60/s Aug. 15 9:07 a.m. 3.7’ 2:27 a.m. 0.1’ Pismo Beach 82/59/pc 81/58/s 7:36 p.m. 5.9’ 1:13 p.m. 2.7’ Santa Maria 87/61/pc 83/60/s Aug. 16 9:35 a.m. 3.9’ 3:02 a.m. -0.2’ Santa Ynez 104/61/pc 106/62/s 8:19 p.m. 6.3’ 2:00 p.m. 2.5’ Vandenberg 76/58/pc 73/58/s Ventura 77/65/s 79/65/s LAKE LEVELS STATE CITIES At Lake Cachuma’s maximum level at the point AT BRADBURY DAM, LAKE CACHUMA Bakersfield 107/83/s 108/80/s at which water starts spilling over the dam holds Barstow 111/81/s 113/82/s 188,030 acre-feet. An acre-foot is 325,851 gallons, Big Bear 84/50/s 85/53/t equivalent to the amount of water consumed annuBishop 102/62/s 103/61/s ally by 10 people in an urban environment. Catalina 89/78/s 90/73/s Concord 108/70/pc 102/68/s Escondido 96/69/s 96/67/s Eureka 69/57/s 71/55/pc Fresno 107/80/s 109/79/s Los Angeles 96/72/s 96/71/s Mammoth Lakes 82/47/s 84/49/t Storage 146,220 acre-ft. Elevation 736.33 ft. Evaporation (past 24 hours) 54.7 acre-ft. Infl ow 33.0 acre-ft. State infl ow 0.0 acre-ft. Storage change from yest. -127 acre-ft. Modesto 106/76/pc 106/74/s Report from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
