It was a special night for Liberty’s boys’ basketball team when they traveled to Philadelphia last Friday to watch the 76ers take on the Detroit Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Hurricanes were in attendance to watch former Liberty grad Darrun Hilliard suit up for the Pistons in his first NBA game back in the area.

Detroit had little trouble dispatching the Sixers by a 107-95 score, but Hilliard saw his highest minutes of the season on the best night possible, logging in nine minutes and going 1-for-5 from the field in the win.

For Liberty head coach Chad Landis and the team, it was a surreal moment for the program watching one of their own on an NBA floor.

“We all know Darrun is still trying to be the best basketball player he can be,” said Landis, “but for all of us, it’s still surreal that he’s in the NBA.

“It’s an awesome experience to be lucky enough to play in the NBA and it was great for our kids to see him on the court.”

The Hurricanes were able to get access to the court prior to the contest and were granted a tour of the venue as well before tip-off, but weren’t able to meet Hilliard prior to the game.

Landis was able to talk to Hilliard afterwards and enjoyed chatting it up with his former player.

“I got a chance to see him and he’s still the same Darrun that was at Liberty,” he said. “I don’t think that’ll ever change. We’re all real proud of him.

“Not many people in the world get to do what he’s doing and we’re all really happy for him.”