Former Celtics, Magic player Hunter passes away at 42

Sep 14, 2023, 02:14 AM ET

Brandon Hunter, who played briefly for the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic, passed away Tuesday at age 42.

His mother-in-law, Carolyn Cliett, said he collapsed while doing hot yoga in Orlando, but no cause of death was announced.

“It was hot yoga, and he did it frequently,” she told NBC News. “He remained in good condition as far as we understand. We’re simply stunned.”

Hunter, a 6-foot-7 forward, was a four-year starter at Ohio University from 1999-2000 to 2002-03. He averaged 16.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 119 games for the Bobcats. He put up 21.5 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.6 helps per game as a senior.The Celtics

chose him in the 2nd round of the 2003 draft (56th overall). Hunter played in 36 games (12 starts) for Boston in 2003-04, producing 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest.He played 31

games, all off the bench, the following season for the Magic, balancing 3.1 points and 2.2 rebounds.Former Ohio basketball coach Tim O’Shea published on Facebook of Hunter,” He was the best player I ever had the good luck of training– he stood out at Ohio University, and after that went on to play in the NBA for Boston and Orlando, then effectively in Europe, prior to transitioning to a successful profession as a sports agent. We stayed in touch for many years, and I was incredibly happy with the hubby, dad, and citizen he ended up being. please keep his family in your prayers.”