Hawks sign Georgia State star Hunter

Celtics guard R.J. Hunter points to a teammate after he scored against the Hawks on a good pass in a basketball game on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Celtics guard R.J. Hunter points to a teammate after he scored against the Hawks on a good pass in a basketball game on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Former Georgia State basketball star R.J. Hunter will return to town with a chance to continue his hoops career.

The Hawks announced Friday the signing of Hunter, who helped carry the Panthers to an upset victory against Baylor in the 2015 NCAA tournament. Hunter played for his dad, Ron Hunter, and twice was chosen Sun Belt player of the year. He also is GSU’s all-time leading scorer.

A 6-foot-5 guard, Hunter was selected in the first round (28th overall) of the NBA draft by Boston three months later. He played in 36 games as a rookie, averaging 8.8 minutes per game. Over the past two seasons – playing for Chicago and Houston – Hunter appeared in eight games and played an average of 6.8 minutes per game.

Hunter was with the Rockets last season on a two-way contract and started one game. He played in 45 games in the NBA G League and averaged 30.8 minutes, 20.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals.