About
Biography
Ernie Hix is a retired American professional basketball player known for his significant contributions to the sport during the 1970s. Born on June 12, 1951, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Hix played college basketball at the University of Kentucky, where he was a standout performer, leading the team in scoring and earning All-SEC honors. His prolific scoring ability and versatility as a guard attracted the attention of NBA scouts.
Hix was selected in the second round of the 1973 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Over the course of his five-year professional career, he played for several teams, including the Baltimore Bullets and the Kansas City Kings. Hix is best known for his exceptional shooting skills, particularly from long-range, and his contributions to his teams’ offensive strategies, helping to popularize the three-point shot well before it became a staple in modern basketball.
Following his retirement from professional play, Hix remained involved in the sport through coaching and mentoring young athletes. His legacy is marked by his role in the evolution of the game, particularly in the development of perimeter shooting. Hix's impact is celebrated among basketball historians, as he inspired a generation of players to adopt a more dynamic offensive approach.