Hunter Takes Advantage
By: Brian GleasonPosted: February 26, 2004
Hunter scored 17 points in his first NBA start.
Photo: Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images |
The rookie from Ohio University came to the Celtics with a reputation as a hard working rebounder, something the Celtics haven't had in many years. Hunter led the country in rebounding last season, but at just 6-7 there were concerns he wasn't tall enough to compete at the NBA level, but what people didn't take into account was his Charles Barkley like body.
Hunter spent the first 32 games of the season on the Injured List, which meant practicing all season and working on his game, but not being able to dress with his teammates for games. A lot of rookies, especially second round picks, have to go through this process of being on the Injured List, but that doesn't mean it wasn't difficult for Hunter to deal with. But unlike many others before him he stayed focused and continued to improve.
"I give him a lot of credit for sticking with it all year," said Head Coach John Carroll. "I'm sure he's been a little disappointed in his playing time, but it's a credit to him that he has worked hard and he has kept himself in shape to be able to play."
After being activated from the Injured List December 29, Hunter spent most of the next 27 games watching from he bench. But Wednesday vs. Milwaukee Hunter finally got the chance to show what that 260-pound Barkley like body could do. He found out about an hour before tip-off against the Bucks that he would be getting his first career NBA start.
"About an hour before the game, coach came and told me," said Hunter following Wednesday's game. "He told me just to play hard rebound and defend."
Hunter certainly did all of that and then some, as he scored a career-high 17 points and grabbed 9 boards (6 offensive) in 35 minutes of play.
"It felt good to go from injured reserve to not playing to starting," said Hunter. "Like I said, I just try to go out there and play as hard as I can and hopefully help my team."
Hunter had played well and shown flashes in limited minutes earlier this season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 8 boards in garbage time at Portland, as well as scoring 7 points and grabbing 9 boards at New Jersey, but Coach Carroll needed to see if the rookie could come through in crucial parts of the game.
"He had the other night, in Portland, a great stat line, where I think he scored 10 points and had 8 rebounds in about 9 minutes," commented Carroll. "I wanted to be able to see if he could do that in the first or second quarter when the game really meant something. And I think obviously he proved to us that he can."
Hunter seems to be a perfect fit for a team that struggles to rebound and bring energy on a consistent basis. The exact things that fuel his game and have allowed him to make it this far.
"Rebounding is definitely one of our weaknesses, defending guys one on one, just playing hard with energy," commented Hunter. "I think that's one of our weaknesses and I think that's one of my strengths."
The refreshing thing about Hunter is that he didn't come into the lockeroom following Wednesday's loss boasting about his play. For many rookies playing well and establishing their game is their focus and winning comes secondary, but not Hunter, who was more disappointed with the loss than happy about capitalizing on his chance to play.
"I played ok," said Hunter. "I played good in stretches, you know rebounding and then lay-ups but a lot of missed free throws, so I'm disappointed in myself. I kept praying, looking up at the clock when we were down by 2 or down by 1 and hoping we would come out on top. But you know I've just got to put that behind me and come out next time and play hard."
So expect to see Hunter on the court instead of on the bench as the Celtics make a push for one of the final spots in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, and don't think for a minute that he hasn't earned every second of time he receives.
"It would be hard not to reward him," said Carroll. "When he was called upon, he responded at a very high level for a young player."
