The time has come for R.J. Hunter to leave the nest. Georgia State’s junior guard has decided it’s time for him to take a shot at the NBA Draft. The choice to leave Georgia State could not have been an easy one for Hunter; after all, Hunter has had the privilege of playing for head coach Ron Hunter the past three seasons—his father.
“The plan was always for me to be a four-year guy,” said Hunter when asked about his decision to declare for the 2015 NBA Draft. For all this to happen, it’s almost like a dream. I felt like the time was right. I did everything possible I wanted to do. The way it ended with the NCAA tournament was a storybook. It was like it happened for a reason.”
As a three year starter for the Panthers, Hunter got better every season. This past season Hunter helped led Georgia State to the NCAA Tournament, averaging almost 20 points per game during the season to go along with 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
Hunter really made a name for himself in the tournament appearance. If the name R.J. Hunter sounded familiar to you, it’s probably because he busted your bracket with his game-winning shot to upset Baylor in the first round. Hunter also managed 20 in the round of 32 during Georgia State’s loss to Xavier.
Although he didn’t have an overly high shooting percentage this season, Hunter is considered a solid three-point specialist and long-range shooter. When asked where he thought he would go in the NBA, Hunter claimed that’s he’s heard everything between 15th overall and early second round.
At least now his dad can go watch without having to worry about leading the team to victory. “The next time he plays a game, I can go cheer,” said Hunter’s father.
Hunter also stressed with his decision that he believes the Panthers are prepared to go even further without him:
“They don’t need me here. Seriously. There are some good players here.”
We’ll see you in the NBA, R.J. where we can see your NBA dream come true.