Death seems inevitable in a world where nothing is constant. As Brandon Hunter passed away, the NBA world mourns the loss of one of their own, and fans were left in tears upon learning of the former player’s death. The news was disclosed by his friends on various social media platforms on Tuesday.
According to his friends, Brandon Hunter, who had basketball stints in other countries after playing two seasons in the NBA, has passed away. The cause of his death has not been revealed yet, but his friends claim he died after a yoga class.
Ex-NBA player Brandon Hunter dies at 42
Former NBA player Brandon Hunter has passed away at the age of 42, as confirmed through an Instagram post from Ohio Bobcats coach Jeff Boals on Tuesday. Several tweets mourning his death have mentioned, “RIP Brandon Hunter (1980-2023). He led the NCAA in rebounding and was drafted by the Celtics in 2003.”
Just awful news about the passing of Ohio University basketball legend and former NBA player Brandon Hunter. pic.twitter.com/Mgs7Ps32U2
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) September 12, 2023
Hunter, a former standout at Ohio University, played for the Boston Celtics in 2003–04 and the Orlando Magic in 2004–05 during his brief two-season NBA career. When the Boston Celtics picked Hunter with the No. 56 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, he became an NBA member.
After a brief stint as a player in the NBA, he relocated to Cincinnati to work as a coach, offering coaching services through a for-profit organization called CoachUp. Brandon also pursued a career as a real estate agent in addition to coaching. Additionally, he received certifications from the National Basketball Players Association and the International Basketball Federation to work as a sports agent.
In June 2021, he founded his own sports agency, Hunter Athlete Management. He made a significant impact during his time playing for the Ohio Bobcats in college. In 2003, he led the NCAA in rebounds, and between 2001 and 2003, he was selected three times to the All-MAC first team, solidifying his legendary status in collegiate basketball.
What teams have Brandon Hunter played for?
The late Brandon Hunter played in 36 games, 12 of which he started, and averaged 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest. He also made appearances in three postseason games with the Celtics, although he only played for an average of 3.3 minutes, as they were swept by the Indiana Pacers in the first round in 2004. Hunter played alongside notable names for the Celtics during that season, including Paul Pierce, Vin Baker, and a 19-year-old Kendrick Perkins.
He was however later selected by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2004 expansion draft. He was traded to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Keith Bogans. His teammates in Orlando included Steve Francis, Grant Hill, Hedo Turkoglu, Jameer Nelson, and a 19-year-old Dwight Howard.
After two NBA seasons, Brandon Hunter utilized his skills abroad, competing in basketball leagues in Greece, Italy, Puerto Rico, Latvia, Turkey, Germany, Italy, and France before eventually retiring in 2013 to pursue new opportunities.
