PF Othello Hunter (Atlanta Hawks)

[Buckskin86]

TRAINING CAMPERS

The training camp roster stands at 20 players, right at the number expected. Can?t say that there are any surprise names on the list either. You know the regulars, the guys already under guaranteed contracts for this season. What deserves further scrutiny is the eight players on the training camp roster that are looking for work. A brief breakdown of each guy and the initial outlook of his chances of securing that 13th roster spot (and perhaps the 14th if someone makes a definitive case for sticking around):

OTHELLO HUNTER ? Having already made the team this way a year ago, Hunter knows the odds are stacked against him sticking this year. The Hawks are deeper in the frontcourt and they?re not as likely to keep a developmental player on the roster if they?re only going to keep 13 players. Still, Hunter has improved as much anyone on the roster from this time a year ago. And with a strong camp, he could force the Hawks to consider keeping him.

Summer work is done, training camp is here | Hawks Blog

[Buckskin86]

Atlanta Hawks
Friday, October 2, 2009
Hawks' Hunter making an impressionBy Sekou Smith
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Like all the other free-agent invitees in the Hawks' training camp, Othello Hunter has designs on securing one of the open roster spots that are available.

But unlike most of them, he has extensive experience in coach Mike Woodson's system. He knows the ins and outs of the offense and what Woodson is looking for on defense.

He also knows that the key to making the right impression is playing at a breakneck pace on both ends of the floor at all times, courtesy of spending his rookie season with the Hawks last year.

"I just feel like I have to play like that all the time," Hunter said. "It doesn?t matter if I was already signed here [to a guaranteed contract] or not. I understand now what it means to be working to take care of your family and working with a purpose. I did it last year. Even more important to me is proving that you can play and that you belong here.

"And to do that, you've got to go hard every single day."

Hunter has done that. And there's no doubt he belongs. Even though he played sparingly last season, he appeared in just 16 games; he made a strong case for a return visit to camp with his diligent work in the offseason.

He worked regularly with Hawks assistant coach Tyrone Hill to polish his game and also with strength and conditioning coach Chattin Hill to build up his frame.

"I think it helped, I really do," said Hunter, who explored other training-camp options this summer before deciding to return to the Hawks. "I know what to expect better this time around. I know what training camp is going to be like. I know what's expected. Being here made the most sense for me."

Woodson agreed.

"He's worked hard and it shows," Woodson said. "He's doing a fantastic job right now."

Hawks' Hunter making an impression ?| ajc.com

[naptownbuck]

In early October nine free agents, including Othello Hunter, started training camp with the Atlanta Hawks in competition for at the most, just two roster spots. Today only one of those free agents remain, Othello Hunter.

Ex-Jacket West among Hawks' cuts ?| ajc.com

The Hawks cut Mario West and Courtney Sims from the training camp roster before Wednesday's practice and rookie Garrett Siler after practice, leaving 13 players on the roster.

Othello Hunter is the only free agent who remains.

It looks like Hunter is in great shape to stick with the Hawks. I've read some comments from the Hawks Nation like, "Hunter has made the team", but it's not over until the contract is signed. I always thought he had the inside track going into camp though. He had a year of experience with the system, the coaches and players all like his effort, plus he improved in the off-season. His pre-season minutes were greater than any of the other training camp invites. (Othello was the 3rd PF with Joe Smith out). I even watched the nba tv real training camp program with Atlanta and Hunter seemed like one of the regulars. The Woodson really likes him..he is known simply as 'O'.

Oh yeah, Je'Kel Foster dropped 20 points in his Euroleague debut today.

[Wells4Heisman]

Got Othello's autograph today on my Final Four Hat....

Nice guy, I really hope he gets some significant playing time soon.

[naptownbuck]

GoErie.com: Basketball: Erie BayHawks - BayHawks seeking big man with second pick in D-League draft

BayHawks seeking big man with second pick in D-League draft

The BayHawks were hoping to address their need for a post player with Othello Hunter of Ohio State.

Treloar wanted to place the 6-foot 8-inch 225-pound forward on Erie's allocation list, which consists of players from a D-League team's region that can create fan interest and are NBA-caliber players.

Hunter ended up earning a spot with the Atlanta Hawks for a second straight season.

"That part of the personnel process is one that you want to see guys have success," Treloar said. "You can't pull against the kid because if he knows you're pulling against him, he's not going to want to play for you.

Hunter wasn't drafted coming out of college in 2008.

He played with returning BayHawks small forward Ivan Harris at Ohio State when the Buckeyes made it the 2007 NCAA national title game before losing to Florida.

"You try to look at the NBA rosters and evaluate the NBA rosters and look at their guarantee contract situation and evaluate and try to spot some guys you think can fall through the cracks," Treloar added.