Former Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic Star Dead at 42
He collapsed in Orlando, Florida, according to his former coach.
Since he was a young boy, Brandon Hunter was celebrated for his athletic ability. From his NCAA years at Ohio University to stints with NBA teams Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic and then playing professional ball overseas, Hunter was a force on the court. This week, it was announced that the basketball star, just 42, died.
Brandon Hunter died at the age of 42 on Tuesday morning. His cause of death is unknown.
His former college coach, Tim O'Shea, did reveal that he collapsed and died in Orlando.
"For me it was incredibly rewarding to see how he matured as a person," O'Shea told NBC News on Wednesday. "He invested money wisely, he had real estate and some rental properties. He came from a very tough childhood so it was amazing to see how athletics can be a vehicle to change somebody's life and he was a great example of that."
Ohio University's head basketball coach Jeff Boals shared the news writing on X that it was a "Sad day for Bobcat Nation." "Brandon Hunter, Gone way too soon," he added. "One of the best to ever put on the green and white. #RIP."
"We are terribly saddened to learn of the loss of our former teammate, Brandon Hunter," the Orlando Magic said in a statement. "We send our deepest condolences to the entire Hunter family."
Hunter grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and started playing at Withrow University High School. He then played for Ohio University's men's basketball team from 1999-2003, where he was a star player.
He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2003 NBA draft as the 56th overall pick. He played a single season with the team, playing 36 games and averaging 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds.
He was traded to the Orlando Magic, the next year. He played a single season there, averaging 3.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 31 games during the 2004-2005 season.
"We just spoke last week. Losing a lot of my friends lately," tweeted NBA player T.J. Ford, who played with Hunter when he was signed by the Milwaukee Bucks the following year.
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Hunter played overseas after his stint with the NBA, playing Greece, Italy, Puerto Rico, and Turkey.
