Privateer Alumni Spotlight: Derek St. Hilaire Inducted into Dacula High School Hall of Fame

University of New Orleans alumnus Derek St. Hilaire was inducted into the Dacula High School Hall of Fame class of 2023 this month. The honor comes as no surprise to Privateer fans familiar with the Atlanta native's basketball journey on the Lakefront from 2020-2022.  

"It feels amazing. Growing up, that was never a thought or goal of mine, but it's good to be recognized by your high school as one of the best to ever do it," said St. Hillaire. 

As a senior at Dacula High School, St. Hilaire averaged 19 points per game earning the 2016 first-team all-region selection. 

"Derek St. Hilaire is most deserving of this honor. I have been blessed to watch his growth from the 8th grade, through high school and college and into a professional basketball career," said Byron Wilson, head men's basketball coach and teacher at Dacula. 

"Derek is the hardest working player that I have had the honor of coaching, he always showed up and worked at a high level. He is a true competitor in every sense of the word, and I am blessed to be a part of his journey." 

After high school, St. Hilaire continued his basketball career at Gordon State College and Jacksonville State University before finding his home at New Orleans, where he also pursued a master's degree in Higher Education Administration. 

St. Hilaire averaged 20.1 points per game, under former Head Coach Mark Slessinger, leading the Privateers to an 18-win season in 2021-22, the most since 2019. 

As one of the most explosive guards in Privateer history, St. Hilaire racked up numerous accolades including Southland (SLC) Player of the Week (2x), National Association of Basketball Coaches first-team all-district selection, Allstate Sugar Bowl Amateur Athlete of the Month, and SLC first-team all-academic. During the 2022 NCAA Final Four held in New Orleans, he was also invited to compete in the Great Clips College Slam Dunk Championship, the Reese's College All-Star Game, and the Dos Equis' 3v3U National Championship. 

St. Hilaire ventured into the professional realm at the conclusion of his collegiate career playing for the NBA G-League's South Bay Lakers and currently, the Saudi Arabian Professional Basketball League's Al Khaleej.  

With Al Khaleej, the former Privateer is averaging 21.9 points per game as a starter. 

"Honestly, I'm happier about the hard work this honor shows and the example it sets for younger guys: If you just keep your head down and work, good things will come. I'm hoping one day I can do enough to end up in the UNO Hall of Fame."

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