Sammy Hunter (206-F-2000, college: Akron, agency: VM Hoops Agency) is a 23 year old 206cm forward from the Bahamas playing his rookie season for KB Trepca Mitrovice (Kosovo-Superliga). He began his career at St Johns college and then played 3 seasons at the University of Mississippi (NCAA) playing a total of 80 games. He then finished at The University of Akron (NCAA) averaging 8.2ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 67.6% and 8.7ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Thanks Sammy for talking to germanhoops.com. After being in the Bahamas, Mississippi, and Ohio, now your in Kosovo with for KB Trepca Mitrovice (Kosovo-Superliga. Has it been like a culture shock for you with the way of life?

I’ve been a lot of places in a short amount of time throughout my life so one’s basketball is around pretty much and have had no problem adjusting of course I miss my family and friends back home in the Bahamas but it’s always good doing something you love. I just remember my motivation doing what I love.

The team won the double last season and the Super Cup this season. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It’s been an eye-opening experience playing against so many good teams early on in the season with the champions league and FIBa Europe cup. I just try to embrace it and learn as much from Coach as I can.

Do you feel that huge enthusiasm to win within the organization?

As an athlete, you want to embrace that pressure of being expected to win all the time but here in the city everyone is rooting for us and the fans are amazing so you definitely feel the pressure to win every game you play especially home games

What kind of an experience has it been playing first in the BCL and now in the Fiba Europe Cup? You have showed that you can be a solid player. How will your game profit most from playing in these leagues?

I’m just out there having fun. I love playing this game and showcasing what I can do and I just thank God every day for the opportunity to be playing at this level and among such good teams it’s been an eye-opening experience to what I can do 5,6,7 years down the road.

What has it been like playing with Mohammed Barro? Has he been like a mentor for you? How has he helped you most with your game so far?

He’s a really good big,phenomenal passer reads the short roll well and we talk about other things besides basketball from time to time. He’s been someone to talk to for me with him also being from another foreign country so it’s been good to know. I have someone at my position I can speak with.

What has it been like playing with automatic dime Malik Johnson? How much easier does he make your game?

Malik is very fast plays with the high energy and is a good all-around dude in general. He’s already played at high-level so he’s still teaching me stuff I need to learn when it comes to playing in Europe and just reading the pick and roll.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Honestly, I wouldn’t compare my game to anybody in the NBA. I like to think of myself as my own player we all have unique stuff about us on the court that make us who we are and I just don’t really do the comparisons. I try to be myself.

You like to shoot the three pointer. How would you describe the development of your three pointer? It seems like your shot selection is very good.

Growing up, my shot was in the best, but I worked on it because I always wanted to be able to shoot. Of course we aspire to be good at what we do, but I never thought my three-point shot would get to where it is now.

How would you describe your defensive game? Are you still a bit raw? What kind of a defender are you and what kind of defender so you still want to become?

Still working on being more versatile and being able to guard on the perimeter. I see myself as someone who is very vocal on the defensive end and talk to teammates through the right spots.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

Working on improving all aspects of my game more so playing in he post more.

You played at the University of Mississippi (NCAA) from 2019-2022. You never averaged more than 3,0ppg and 11,3 minutes per game. How was the experience for you? What positives could you take from it?

You can always take positives from every situation you have in your life sometimes things don’t go how you want it and that’s called life always remember that it’s not about me. Sometimes somebody else somewhere is struggling with something way worse than my struggles in basketball so I just managed to keep a level ahead.

In your second season you scored 11 points in a huge win over NCAA powerhouse Kentucky. What memories will you always have of that game?

That was a fun time at Ole Miss. It was during Covid and they had a lot of NBA players on that team, but I will always remember that game for sure.

You then played at the The University of Akron (NCAA) averaging 8.2ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 67.6%and 8.7ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 81.8%. Your minutes rose and so did your paly. How did your game grow in these 2 years?

The coaches had confidence in me even when I lacked confidence in myself sometimes I really appreciate Akron and everything they’ve done for me as a player and a person

You had many memorable games like scoring 25 and 26 points back to back against Ball State and Kent State. What was your fondest moment at Akron?

The most memorable moment at Akron was the Ball State game because my parents came to see me play and that was my father‘s first time ever watching me play live in person so it was a big deal to me and that was my extra motivation to play that night.

How did head coach John Groce groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He groomed me because he’s a professional in his own right super hard worker super dedicated to what he does. One of the smartest coaches you’ll find and statistical guru. It’s hard not to play hard for him. He brings the energy every day and pushes you with love.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ali Ali?

Me and Ali are close friends. I just talked to him last night we’re tied. We will probably be back at Akron in the summer working out together.

Who was the toughest player that you ever played against on a court that reached the NBA?

I got to play against Giannis this summer and it was an experience. I’ll never forget it.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Antavion Collum

Mikal Dawson

Ali Ali

Tye Fagan

Matthew Murrell

Please name your personal NBA Mountrushmore of past or present heads?

Steph Curry

MJ

Kobe

Lebron

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Didn’t get to see it, but hopefully I watch it here in the near future.

Thanks Sammy for the chat