Eddie Hunt (201-C-1996, college: Limestone) is a 28 year old 201cm forward that was born in Topeka, Kansas that is currently playing with Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague). He began his basketball career at Highland Park High School. He then played two seasons at Barton County Community College (JUCO) playing a total of 57 games. He then finished at Limestone College (NCAA2). He has gained professional experience in Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Estonia, Portugal and Georgia. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Tha Eddie for talking to germanhoops.com. The last time we spoke was in the summer of 2022. Has time flown by since then?

The pleasure is all mine Miles and thanks for your time of course. Man does time fly! Seems like a few days ago.

After we spoke you played the 2022-2023 season with Alianca Sangalhos (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 10.6ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.1%, FT: 66.7%, in Jan.’23 moved to Gtuni (Georgia-A League) averaging 7.8ppg, Reb-2 (7.2rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 42.3%, FT: 66.7%. Despite only playing 7 games in Portugal, would you say that that was your break out season?

Correct I started the 2022/23 season with Sangalhos competing against Champions Level competition. My personal goals weren’t fulfilled but doesn’t take away from the fact I played well, played consistent in the time I got the chance to suit up. So I would humbly agree that it was a break out season even though I have so much more to give.

You didn´t win a game in Portugal. Was that a reason why you went to Georgia?

Once I was released from Portugal I decided to at least find a place to stay in shape and compete, and not take the rest of the season off. My short time in Georgia I met a lot of great people.

You sent a message right in your first game scoring 19 points. How important was that game at that stand point in your career? It must have been a big confidence booster.

It definitely was a favorite of mine going against FC Porto. It wasn’t going to be easy at all but to all the hoopers around the world when you get into that “mode” nothing can stop you and just having fun while doing so. The basketball rim seemed like an ocean for me that night. Looking forward to having many more games like that game. I came into the season playing well. During the preseason games I was averaging around 17ppg 7rpg. I had a big summer in Cleveland with my trainers that prepared me leading up to a breakout season in Portugal-Liga Betclic.

You then went to Georgia. What kind of an experience was that? You were the second best rebounder in the league. How tough was it not only remembering who was who from the Georgian players, but how to pronounce their names? Did you find nicknames for them?

Hahah lucky all the guys spoke great English, and had semi English names just the last names were nearly impossible for me to pronounce. Nicknames saved me the confusion at first but once you spend enough time just learn to remember.

Last season you returned back to Portugal playing with Ginasio Olhanense (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 10.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 65.0%. Did Portugal become like a second home to you?

Portugal holds a special place in my heart. I love the country the people, the level of play list goes on. I don’t think people would be surprised if I was to play some time in Portugal again in the future.

How tough was this season? Again you lost many games, but this time many in crunch-time. What did you learn about yourself that season?

This season was more of a mental focus having things done a certain way in the champions league and making the transition to the 2nd league was a little more having to figure out as I went along and adjusting a lot. I spent a short time there due to an injury called “gophers elbow” and it was a nagging no injury in my shooting arms so it was impossible for me to perform so I sat out from January- end of season.

Despite playing in the second league, how do you feel did your game grow that season?

Being able to expand my range and be consistent was a start learning to stay in the moment. We had a great SG Fredrick Sims and spent some time in the NBA G-league and summer league so I was around other professionals who I could learn from and push each other in practice and so on. Growing into a consistent player was a big lesson taken from that season.

This season you moved to Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague). Was it easier to get a job in a place where there is a war?

This season I am playing in the Ukraine SuperLeague, I received the offer late June I recall but was on vacation in Australia so wasn’t to much of a focus for me at the time of where I was going to play. I was getting offers in South America at the time as well and I am familiar with Argentina so that was the first thought I had was if I wanted to stay in the Europe side or Latin America. Talking with a friend who played here last season, he gave me some advice on what’s going on here how life is and the level of play here. At first I was worried because of all the things I saw on television about the war just yeah how could you go wasn’t possible. Getting the advice I was given I took a chance and it has been great here for me, playing well avg 12.1ppg 8rpg and shooting 47.1% from the 3. And mostly we are winning games! In the middle of the pack in the league and looking forward to keep getting better.

What is it like being in the Ukraine in 2024. Is that war presence still there?

Being here in Ukraine has been the closest thing to normal that you can get. People are still working, walking the streets, shopping etc having their coffee Living their lives.

Was it a tough decision to go there? Family and friends must have warned you not to go and be scared for your safety.

Coming to Ukraine wasn’t too much of a worry for me. Maybe it would have been for others but my only focus was playing basketball and after hearing about the season before being a success and the day to day life here made it a peaceful decision. My family of course had thoughts and concerns but they trust me and my judgment.

The team is around 500. How would you describe the first division Ukraine to the 2 leagues in Portugal. Is this the best league that you have played in?

Yes, right now we are in the middle of the pack with good momentum. To compare wouldn’t be fair to either side I think the basketball world knows how tough Portugal first division is. There is a lot of talent and experience. 3 teams that compete in EuroCup speaks for itself. Ukraine is a league with talent mixed with hunger every night. A league with a lot of bigs along with mature guards and forwards. You must come to compete and fight every game. Portugal 2nd division I would say it’s a lot of younger guys finding a way to get on the court and get better. It is more of a development league for first division. Import talent was pretty fair around the league. If I had to rank I would say Portugal Betclic 1, Ukraine 2nd and Portugal 2nd division is 3rd. All good leagues but if I had to rank there you have it.

Have guys like Braxton Lovings and Jimmy Kelly become like brothers for you? One could call you the JUCO trio?

We all share a great bond and look at each other as brothers. Jimmy Kelly is new to the team. He’s just arrived but him and Braxton played together in college so they have a good relationship. I live alone and spend a lot of my time reading or writing while I’m home but at practice and game day we mesh really well and make it easier for each other. Both are great guys that will have great s on and off the court.

What have you appreciated most about their games and characters?

I haven’t gotten a chance to suit up with Jimmy yet but I love his aggression on both ends and the same with Braxton both young and hungry guards that defend the ball really well.

You have really had good games this season. How has your game grown there?

I have been staying the course and making sure I stay in the gym stay healthy, get in the gym a n hour before everyone gets there, and get a good workout and stay a hour after getting shots and movements in learning myself and what I’m good at has helped me this season. And I continue to build off of this.

You are an undersized big. What are you doing to continue to improve your defensive game so you can flourish against bigger bigs?

I’m playing the 4. I’ve been a 4 man pretty much every team I’ve played on. My physicality allows me to bang with taller bigs being able to play inside out or outside in depending on what is best for the team. To answer your question I would say my strength and long arms. Being 6’8 225 with 7’0 wingspan makes guarding taller forwards not an issue.

How did you celebrate Xmas this year?

This year I spent Christmas cleaning my apartment and talking with my girlfriend and family just enjoying the small things in life. Also some new Netflix series came out so helped pass the time.

What new year resolutions do you have for 2025?

2025 resolution to be a better man than I was in 2024.

Thanks Eddie for the chance.