Kevin Hunt Jr. (190-G-1997, college: Denver, agency: Helping Ballers) is a 26 year old 190cm guard from Little Rock, Arkansas playing his second professional season and first with Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProB). He played his rookie season with the Little Rock Lightning (TBL) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 38.7%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 78.6% and then went overseas playing with BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-BSL) averaging 16.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3FGP: 26.7%, FT: 57.1%, and later that month moved to Tundja Yambol (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 76.9%. He began his basketball career at Bryant High School and then played at 4 schools. He began at College of Central Florida (JUCO) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 73.5%. He then played a season at McNeese State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 67.4% He then played at Morehead State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 77.8%. He finished his NCAA career at Denver University (NCAA) averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 78.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Kevin for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Thank you for interviewing me! It’s such a pleasure. Right now, I’m in the moment, not getting too far ahead of myself and moving forward from the previous days.

Your playing your second professional season and first with the Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProB). What kind of experience has it been for you personally having seen basketball in Austria and Bulgaria?

The experiences are all unique yet common from a basketball standpoint. Austria as you know was my first team and place to start my professional career overseas and although it didn’t turn out how I’d like it to personally, I enjoyed my time there. Bulgaria the same, I had great teammates and the city of Yambol was welcoming and put into place a different perspective of life for me. Basketball wise, I’ve got to see the difference in the style of play and really have gotten better in the sense of angles, knowing how to play better without the ball, and I think that’s what has helped me grow into the player I’m slowly becoming.

You had a solid season in Austra. Would you call this season taking a step back to possibly take 2 steps forward next season as the pro B is skill wise one behind the Austria BSL?

I believe everything happens for a reason, the skill level isn’t too far off from Austria to Pro B but I will say the athleticism in the Austria BSL was slightly better. I do think that, personally, I could bump up next season and continue to progress but as for now, my goal is to help Paderborn Baskets win and get back to Pro A.

Paderborn has been playing great ball as of late. What would say is the biggest strength of the team and what has been the secret to the success in the last 2 months?

Our biggest strength is our depth in the roster. From starters to players coming from the bench, we all bring something unique to the table and any given night can be anyone’s night. Everyone has bought into the club, our coaches, and most importantly each other. That’s what leads me to my next point, our chemistry off the court shows on the court. Coach always preaches to us to put our ego into the team so that’s what we all do on a daily basis. There’s no secret to success, it’s a daily grind of mistakes and the opportunities to learn from them. I commend everyone on the staff for putting together a great group of guys.

Your having a solid season in the German Pro B. Have you been content with your game?

There’s always room for improvement in my opinion. I don’t want to be complacent because then I’d feel like I’ve gotten what I want out of this season. We’re #2 in the league and want to make a deep playoff run and eventually win it all, but one game at a time.

The team recently added walking bucket Justin Andrew. How do you guys compliment each other best?

We’ve had one game together so far and about a week of practices so there’s been a small sample yet he’s fit right into the system as if he’s been here the entire season. That goes to show how good of player he is to be able to get here so quickly and adapt. He’s a shot creator and playmaker so he can do a little bit of everything. We compliment each other because neither one of us needs the ball in our hands to help the team in whatever we need that night. He’s been a great addition for us.

What has it been like being teammates with German Lars Lagerpusch? As one of the team leaders, are you able to soak up a lot from him on and off the floor?

Lars is my guy! He’s such a veteran player at a young age but sometimes age has nothing to do with it. He’s been able to help me see things on the court that I may overlook. Having a forward/big like him has helped me personally because when things are not going our way, I know I can look at him and he’s poised and can get us back on track with not only his leadership but gameplay as well.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’ve been getting De’Aaron Fox comparisons for the longest, he’s left handed like me and quick like me and have similar play styles, although, he’s a bit more athletic than I am.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet well. What would you say is your biggest strength on the court?

My biggest strength on the court is my speed. I can push the ball and play in the open court. Also, my unselfishness contributes to my being able to make plays for my teammates. I like to say that I can make my teammates better not only with the ball in my hands but just a presence on the court with being vocal and leading by example.

Your three pointer has been up and down in your career. Last season you shot 43% in Bulgaria, but currently below 20%. How would you describe the development of your three at the moment? What do you have to do make the next step as a shooter?

I’ve been a solid shooter my entire life but I do have seasons where I go through slumps and most of it is in my head. I know that I can make any shot I take, but sometimes if I miss a couple in a row, I’ll second guess the next shot which throws me off. I’m a good shooter at the end of the day, the only way to get over the slumps is to get extra shots up, continue to shoot the ball, and keep my confidence rather I’m making shots or missing them.

You have also been a solid defender in your career. Where would you rate your game as a defender and to what level do you still want to get to?

Coach mentioned to me earlier this season that my defense has to improve if I want to help the team take a step closer towards the end goal. I’ve struggled earlier this season guarding but I’ve had to buy into myself and into the team if we want to achieve the ultimate goal. I’ve guarded great players in my entire basketball career, NBA players, great collegiate players, there’s no doubt that I can lock in on anyone. It’s all about going out there and doing it on a consistent basis.

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

As you mentioned earlier, my 3pt% is far below what I’m capable of and that’s my main focus now and moving into the summer. I have a solid game from the 3pt line and in but the 3s is where I take my game to the next level!

After your NCAA career, you sat out the next season and then got your first pro experience with the Little Rock Lightning (TBL). How tough was this time for you? Did you ever doubt the basketball process?

I was in a dark time mentally during this time. Every single day, I told myself I was good enough to play anywhere, but with each day slipping away, I slowly started to doubt myself and creep away from the game I love so much. I had a great support system around me, reassuring me to stay ready for my opportunity and trust in the process. I give credit to God for allowing me an opportunity to continue playing and my support system for being a light in such a dark time.

What was it like playing in the TBL? Was every player playing for their stats or did you find some guys that played team ball?

It was an ok experience, I had a good time playing with players I played against growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was a selfish team of players, but it wasn’t the basketball I was used to playing at the time. I had personal problems outside of basketball that I had to attend to so I had to take a step away from the TBL.

You played your rookie season with BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-BSL, averaging 16.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3FGP: 26.7%, FT: 57.1%, released in Jan.’24, later that month moved to Tundja Yambol (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 76.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I’ve always been away from home since college, like hours away, but when I had to miss my first Christmas ever and being 7 hours ahead of my family, that hurt me. Only able to facetime my family and not being able to be physically there with them was a different type of sadness I hadn’t felt in a long time. I had to tell myself that this is the lifestyle that I chose and that it won’t always be like this but that was my first time.

You had some great games in Austria? Why did you have to go early and what positives could you get from the experience?

As you can see, we were at the bottom of the league, and each game you go in with the intention and mindset of winning but that was far from reality at the end of the game. I spoke with my agent at the time about other opportunities and that’s when Bulgaria came about. I remember being on the plane from Austria to Bulgaria, looking outside the window over the clouds and telling myself to never get content with where you’re at or how you’re doing no matter how well you may be doing at the time because this is a business. The positives I got from it was I knew that I could have a great career playing overseas, made some great friends abroad, and got to experience different cultures and languages. I’m the first person in my family to be able to play professionally overseas so I try and make the most out of my experiences for my younger family members that may want to pursue a similar opportunity.

You began your career at College of Central Florida (JUCO) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 73.5%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO has said that it was a grin, but one they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

They hit it right on the money! JUCO is not for the weak because you have 12-15 players competing for the same thing. You have to go out every single day with a chip on your shoulder. You’re playing in some treacherous places and have to grind it out in the classroom and the court. If you’re not mentally strong, JUCO will for sure be a struggle.

How important was a guy like Tim Ryan? How did he help you make the transition to the NCAA?

Coach Ryan and coach Jake both helped me understand that I can have a successful career in life let alone basketball! They were the ones who told me that I would thrive at PG which is why I’m able to play both the 1 and 2. I struggled early because I didn’t know when to score and when to pass but those are the growing pains that come with it. They guided me through those pains and reassured to me that those pains will only make me stronger in the end. Now I’m playing in year 2 in my professional career and I have them, along with others to thank for that.

You then moved to McNeese State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 67.4%. This was your first season in the NCAA. How important was this transition for you as you continued to move forward going to other schools?

This year at McNeese was the year that set up the rest of my college years to come. I didn’t know what to expect or how I could become a better player for each team I played for. I struggled there because there was a lot of pressure I felt to perform at a high level each game but some games were better than others. I’m glad I transferred because I needed that reset to find myself within the game and find the love I was losing for the game during a challenging season.

You then played a season at Morehead State University (NCAA) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 77.8%. In your first game you played against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky having 4/2/2 stats. What memories do you have of that game and playing future NBA players?

It was exciting because not everyone gets to play a blue blood school. COVID didn’t allow us to play in an arena full of people but playing in front of Calipari was surreal. The players were of course athletic and their game was well rounded but my excitement came from the experience of playing in Rupp arena in front of a legendary coach.

You then made one more move playing at Denver University (NCAA) averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 78.8%. this was your breakout season in the NCAA. How did your game grow that season?

I was allowed freedom from coach Dub. He recruited me early and told me that I’d have the keys and he had the utmost confidence that I could come in to help lead DU to a great season. There’s a saying by Ray Lewis I believe, which is: “are you more afraid of a pit bull on a leash or off the leash?” That’s all I needed was a coach with confidence in me and to play freely. I credit him for allowing me that space.

You had so many great games there including a 32/6/4/3/1 game in an exciting 81-79 win over North Dakota. Was that your fondest memory there?

I actually have that game downloaded on my computer. Any time I’m in a slump I refer to that game and watch it second by second. I would say that’s my best collegiate game ever because it was my career high in college. I have some many memories from DU but that one is definitely a top 3 moment.

How did head coach Jeff Wulbrun groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

One of the very first things he told us when we got to Denver during the summer is, “if you want to be a pro, then you have act like a pro” That goes from how you approach practice, games, recovery, extra reps. He put in the mindset of carrying myself as professional in every aspect of life.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tae Gatlin?

Tae is my guy, we talk every week, but Tae know what it is in them 1s lol.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

Iso Joe! Joe Johnson man, he’s from the same city I am, and I grew up watching him as well. He’s a complete player, 6’8/6’9 and 250+. He can score on all levels and he make the game look so easy man. That’s probably the toughest but I give credit to players like Daryl Macon, Jaylen Barford, and Archie Goodwin! They all make me compete at the highest level possible every time we play each other.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I love this question! Man, I’ve had so many good teammates. In no specific order, I’ll have to go: Braylon Steen, Calvin Allen, Carlos Dotson, De’Von Cooper, and Johni Broome. Honorable mentions, Jordan (Popi) Johnson and Tae Gatlin! First two are from High school and others were college teammates.

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Easy money! MJ, Allen Iverson, Rajon Rondo, and John Wall

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan!

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

There’s this trend of nostalgic themed movies making returns which I like the concept but some movies should be left alone and that for sure is one of them!

Thanks Kevin for the chat.