Darrun Hilliard (born April 13, 1993, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) has expressed his wish to put down roots with Surne Bilbao. As he nears the end of his professional career, the American forward has found Bilbao to be an ideal place for his family and for enjoying basketball. He describes the city as “neither too big nor too small, ideal,” and notes that his wife and children are happy and well-adjusted to their new environment.

Hilliard, who boasts extensive experience in both the EuroLeague and the NBA, praises Surne Bilbao's upward trajectory. He highlights the club's ambition to do more than just survive in the ACB league, aiming for continuous improvement under the leadership of figures like Rafa Pueyo and Jaume Ponsarnau. The player hopes to remain a part of this project, contributing to the team's growth and success.

During his childhood, Hilliard never envisioned becoming a professional, viewing sports purely as a form of enjoyment. His mother played a crucial role in shaping his personality and work ethic. Her sacrifices and efforts profoundly influenced him, leading him to choose the prestigious Villanova University to stay close to home. Following a successful stint in the NCAA, he was drafted in 2015 by the Detroit Pistons, a moment he described as a dream come true.

During his time with the San Antonio Spurs, he had the honor of being coached by the legendary Gregg Popovich and shared a locker room with basketball greats like Pau Gasol, whom he considers “my brother.” In 2018, at the age of 25, he moved to Europe to play, starting his journey with Baskonia in Gasteiz. Although adapting to European basketball presented challenges, Hilliard acknowledges the richness of that experience and states that he has now found the stability and happiness he sought in Bilbao.