Q+a [grant Hill]

An exhibition of the Magic forward's African-American art collection is touring the country through 2005.

SI: What do you look for in a piece of art?

Hill: I look for something that captures my eye. There are a lot of great African-American artists out there. The bulk of my collection is by Elizabeth Catlett and Romare Bearden. There are other NBA players who collect as well. Ray Allen. Elliott Perry. The godfather of collectors is [former Wizards coach] Darrell Walker.

SI: What was the first piece you purchased?

Hill: I was a junior at Duke and I bought a piece called Fast Break by Ernie Barnes. He did all the paintings in Good Times and he played pro football. He was from Durham and he had a print in his gallery of a fast break back when Johnny Dawkins was playing for Duke. I was in college so I didn't spend that much on it, trust me.

SI: Due to an ankle injury you've played just 47 games in the last four years. Will you play next year at age 32?

Hill: Oh, yeah. I'll be back.

SI: How is your ankle?

Hill: I feel good and I like that everybody is doubting me or writing me off.

SI: Your spouse is Grammy-nominated singer Tamia (below). What's it like being married to someone who thousands of men think is hot?