Just eight months after leading the Georgia State basketball team through a wild ride in the NCAA tournament, R.J. Hunter returned home this week with his new job: Boston Celtics guard.
Though he has seen spotty floor time thus far — 11 minutes per game with five DNPs in the Celtics’ first 13 games — Hunter is growing into his role, backing up Avery Bradley at shooting guard, and has already become a fan favorite in Boston. He scored 12 points Tuesday night.
Hours before the Celtics took on the Hawks, Hunter answered some questions from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Helena Oliviero.
Q: How does it feel like being back here with Georgia State just less than a mile away?
A: This is more special than just any game because I was just here (at Philips Arena) a year ago. I was just here to watch the games. And everything that happened just months ago, and to take it up a level, it's weird and special. I am having a lot of fun and it's cool to see my family.
Q: How have you been received by the Boston Celtics fans?
A: I think great, almost too great. (Laughs.) I had to get rid of Twitter and Instagram. It was a little too much love. I had to get back my mind back into game. But it's awesome. Everywhere I go in Boston, somebody has something good to say. I got a great locker room and a great coach so as a young guy, not much more I could ask for.
Q: What kind of feedback do you get from your dad (GSU basketball coach Ron Hunter) since becoming an NBA player?
A: A lot. It's more of support and letting go of the coaching thing. Which doesn't mean I don't take his criticism. But he is being a dad, sending me those "good luck" texts before games and sending texts after every game. Everything is always positive. He never tells me anything I have to work on. He did enough of that in three years.
Q: What are your thoughts about the Hawks team and players?
A: I grew up watching Jeff (Teague). He went to my high school (Pike High in Indianapolis). He was one of those guys you knew was going to the NBA. And I actually had lunch with Kyle (Korver) my last season in college and he sat down with me and talked to me about a lot of stuff and he is one of my better friends in the league. The Hawks are a really good team. I like how they play. They play together, they play smart, have a great coach and a great system. I love watching them play.
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