“My business was something that I wanted to create for her, from me. I want it to be more than what I am today”
There are some people you meet and instantly recognize as one of a kind — Tupac, Aaliyah, Nipsey, or, if we’re talking basketball, Kobe, Shai, or Wemby. There’s a rare energy around them that can’t be taught or replicated. Ahmed Hill is one of those people.
Ahmed’s uniqueness and rarity translate into every area of his life. From being a dominant player on the court — accomplishing milestones and setting records — to his sense of fashion and style, his art, and even the way he carries himself, his aura impacts you immediately.
While Ahmed has accomplished many great things, and continues to do so, we were able to catch up with him to discuss a little bit of everything he has going on in his world.
How would you describe your art to someone who has never experienced it before?
I would describe my art as unique — street graffiti, a different vibe. I bring cartoon graffiti to the scene with my art. I love details, so I have a lot of hidden messages and small details that you can see, and every time you see my art, I want you to see something different and be like, “I didn’t notice this the first time.” I want it to have that feel and vibe.
If you could design your signature basketball shoe, what would it look like, and what would be the main function you would focus on?
I would definitely focus on the cushion. I love low tops, so I would love to design a low-top shoe. Then, I would go for comfort, and style would be my third. My style would be a unique shoe where you would feel like it’s different from any other shoe you’ve ever worn.
Definitely low cut and comfortable. The sole of the shoe would be thicker — not heavy, but also not super light, so there’s still support. For my design I would go with a multi-coloured or two-toned colourway, something that pops — a highlighter colour and I would definitely have to do something different with the shoe strings, maybe like the shoelaces that air forces have, one’s that are flat, something like that.
You would have to stay tuned if you want to know more [Laughs]. Hopefully, one day a shoe company will collaborate with me soon, so we’ll see.”
People were surprised to learn that you’re an artist. What is something else about you that fans would never guess?
A lot of people don’t know this, but “Be back soon” were the last words my mom said to me, so my business was something that I wanted to create for her, from me. I want it to be more than what I am today.
When she passed away, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. Drawing takes me back to those times when I was younger and she was around more.
It helps me deal with the pain of her not being here every day. I try to create something meaningful, thoughtful, and unique, and it helps me. She is the reason behind Be Back Soon, and it helps me remind myself every day of the conversation that we had before she passed.
You’ve received many accolades in your career. Which one would you say was the most meaningful? On the flip side, what advice would you give to an athlete who hasn’t received any accolades?
I would say the most meaningful accolade I’ve received so far was winning the 2025 CEBL championship with the Niagara River Lions. Another is being the first player to score 1,000 points in the league, and still holding that title. Those are the top two that are the most recent to me.
To any athlete who hasn’t received any accolades, just keep working. Things don’t happen overnight; things take time, and the more work that you put in, the more it will show when you play. If you’re able to help your team do many things, things will also fall for you individually. Continue working every day, grind, put the work in, and you’ll be exactly where you need to be, and you will be recognized when it’s your time to be recognized.
You are known as a box office player that people look forward to buying tickets to see. What would you say has been the most memorable shot or play you’ve made, and how did that feel?
I really appreciate that [Laughs]. I’ve had a couple of game winners that have been really fun to watch back, along with some great plays and execution by my coaches.
I would say my first game winner in the CEBL, or my first game winner with Niagara — the lob play. That was a pretty good play, pretty good execution too, and to set it off in a new space where people didn’t know if I was going to accomplish the things that I did, and having a great first game, coming out with a dub, that was a good introduction.
If you could play anyone one-on-one, dead or alive, who would you pick?
Kobe Bryant. Although I never met him, he signifies something special. My mom loved Shaq — he was her favourite player — and that made me become a Kobe fan because of their duo. I know he probably could teach me a lot just through playing against him, especially with the mentality he had and everything he learned throughout his career.
Although Ahmed has been playing professional basketball for years, he continues to grow and evolve in every area of life. His business is growing daily into exactly what he envisioned — something impactful, meaningful, and a breath of fresh air in the business world. Most importantly, it’s about making his mom proud and creating a legacy inspired by her.
His art is uniquely his own, and when you see it and experience it, you instantly know it’s a “Med piece.” Of course, he is still doing what he is best known for — playing basketball at a high level.
Most importantly, he remains a good person, maintaining his morals and always focusing on how he can be a better man, understanding that no matter how multi-talented he may be, who he is off the court, behind the canvas, or the brand, is what truly matters in the end.
Ahmed has much more to come in the future. For now, check out his website featuring his clothing and artwork at “Be Back Soon.”
