RJ Hunter Falls to the Celtics at 28

With the 28th overall selection, the Boston Celtics drafted SG RJ Hunter out of Georgia State University. Hunter led the Panthers to the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament with a shocking upset over the 3-seeded Baylor Bears.

-= Related: Georgia State Upsets Baylor To Advance =-

Though it was definitely a wonderful Cinderella story for Georgia State, especially given that RJ played for his father HC Ron Hunter at GSU, this young shooting guard brings a solid all-around game to Boston.

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RJ has the potential to become an excellent 3-and-D guy for Brad Stevens at the TD Garden. His outside shot perhaps is what got Hunter noticed the most by NBA scouts. He has great range from all over the court, especially beyond the top of the key.

Being that he played for his father, RJ Hunter goes to Boston already well coached and ready to contribute at the next level. RJ has the luxury of playing for one of the Association’s best up-and-coming coaches in HC Brad Stevens.

Mar 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia State Panthers guard R.J. Hunter (22) against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Championship game at the Lakefront Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Stevens seems to get the most out of his players. He took a team chock full of role players to nearly a .500 record (40-42) and a 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. I really think RJ has another great teacher for when he begins his NBA career in Stevens and his all-around game could continue to improve.

The only real knock I’ve heard on Hunter is that he might lack the foot speed to necessarily play solid man-to-man on-ball defense. He has the length and basketball intelligence to already factor as a promising help defender in his rookie year.

Where the team stands now, I believe that RJ Hunter can give the Celtics great outside shooting right away to a team that desperately needs it. Their guards have much more promise as defense-first type of players. Boston could benefit greatly on offense if Hunter can effectively spread the floor with his sound jump shooting. We’ve seen Brad Stevens do magic with less talent.

I really thought RJ Hunter was going to go a tad earlier tonight, possibly in the late-teens. But as it stands now, I think he’s going to a great place to play basketball. He’s got a great young coach on a promising young team in an NBA City like no other.

Congratulations, RJ Hunter on being the first Georgia State Panther drafted by an NBA team. Good luck in Boston with the Celtics and make our state proud!

Next: RJ Hunter, Where Will He Be Drafted?

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