The former Pistons PG heads back to his HBCU roots as a head coach.
HBCU’s seem to be making big moves lately, investing in sports programs and bringing big names on board to lead them.
The latest signing is one of their own, as former NBA veteran and SWAC star, Lindsey Hunter, was announced as the new men’s head basketball coach at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU).
Most recognize Hunter, 48, for his long stint with the Pistons. He’s a 2x NBA Champion, winning titles with the Lakers in 2002 and the Pistons in 2004. But what most don’t know is that Hunter has deep roots in HBCU basketball.
A product of Jackson, Mississippi, Hunter played at Alcorn State for one year (1988 – 1989) before transferring back home to Jackson State University. In his three seasons with the Tigers (1990 – 1993), Hunter became of the greatest athletes in the university’s history, one that produced legendary names such as Walter Payton and Jackie Slater. He averaged 24.2 ppg, 3.7 apg and 2.4 spg in his career at Jackson State, and was named the SWAC Player of the Year in 1993 for good reason. That year he averaged 26.7 ppg, which was fifth in the nation. But he also scored 907 total points that year, which was tops in the nation.
He was selected with the 10th pick in the first round of the 1993 NBA Draft by the Pistons. The team actually had two first round picks that year, and with the 11th pick they selected Allan Houston. Hunter made the NBA All Rookie Second Team that season and he never looked back from that point on.
Hunter played in the NBA from 1993 – 2010, then moved into coaching in 2012, holding positions with the Suns, Warriors and the University of Buffalo. Now he’s takes over a MVSU Delta Devils program which finished 6-26 last season
“I am elated to welcome Coach Lindsey Hunter and his family back to the Oasis of the Mississippi Delta and the SWAC,” said MVSU AD Dianthia Ford-Kee. “I am excited about his energy, vision, and most importantly the impact he will have on our program.”
“I look forward to Coach Hunter joining us here at MVSU,” said Dr. Jerryl Briggs, MVSU President. “His wealth of experience as a player and coach is vital and will definitely assist the continued growth for our men’s basketball program. We are surely keeping Valley in Motion!”
