Brandon Hunter Death – Former Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic player Brandon Hunter has passed away. He was announced dead by Ohio men’s basketball coach Jeff Boals. Brandon Hunter died at the age of 42. There was no cause of death reported for Brandon Hunter at the time of this publication.
Brandon was a retired American professional basketball player. Following a successful college basketball career at Ohio University, where he led the NCAA in rebounding during the 2002–03 season, he was chosen as the 56th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2003 NBA draft. After spending a single season each with the Celtics and the Orlando Magic in the NBA, he embarked on a journeyman playing career, primarily in various European basketball leagues.
Rest in Peace to a Cincinnati HS legend, Ohio Bobcat Legend, and former NBA player Brandon Hunter
Great Dude
Always loved talking to him and playing with him pic.twitter.com/kzWVSCf7t1— Bubba Walther (@bubbawalther) September 12, 2023
Personal life
Brandon was born on November 24, 1980 in Cincinnati, Ohio. In June 2015, Hunter commenced his career as a real estate broker while simultaneously obtaining certifications as an NBPA and FIBA sports agent. Fast forward to June 2021, Hunter ventured into the sports management realm by establishing Hunter Athlete Management, all the while maintaining his endorsement contract with the basketball brand And 1.
High school career
Hunter, a Cincinnati native, received his education at Withrow High School. While playing for the Tigers, he boasted impressive averages of 13 points and 11 rebounds, propelling them to the state semifinals during his junior year. Before his senior year, he committed to play for Ohio University, competing in the NCAA Division I’s Mid-American Conference (MAC).
In 2017, Brandon Hunter was honored with induction into the Withrow Athletic Hall of Fame, alongside notable athletes such as Xavier alum and NBA standout Tyrone Hill, Horace Pumphrey (football), Joe Brefeld (baseball, basketball, football), and Skyler Willis (volleyball, track).
College career
Hunter had an outstanding college basketball career at Ohio University. In his freshman year, he ranked third in scoring (11.3 points per game) and second in rebounds (6.2 rebounds per game), earning a spot on the MAC All-Freshman Team. During his sophomore season, he was a dominant force, finishing in the conference’s top five for scoring (18.1 points per game) and rebounding (9.4 rebounds per game), also making the All-Tournament Team and the All-MAC First Team in 2001.
His junior year continued the trend of impressive performances, with Hunter leading the team in scoring (17.3 points per game) and rebounding (9.1 rebounds per game), earning another All-MAC First Team selection. He briefly considered entering the NBA draft in 2002 but retained his eligibility, ultimately withdrawing when he didn’t project as a first-round pick.
Hunter’s senior season was his pinnacle, leading all of NCAA Division I in rebounding with an average of 12.6 rebounds per game. He also contributed significantly in scoring, assists, blocks, and steals. He earned his third consecutive All-MAC First Team selection and was recognized as one of the best players in Ohio University history. His impressive career included 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and several school records, making him the best rebounder in Ohio University history and one of its top scorers.
The family will release an obituary and funeral arrangements for Brandon Hunter.
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