Mid-Major John-the-Baptist

Georgia State’s Ron Hunter Beats the Drum

(Nashville, TN) – Georgia State’s Ron Hunter may be known more for falling off a stool than for winning basketball games, but make no mistake, the fifth year coach can win games and work the interview room.

During the 2015 NCAA Tournament, Hunter tore his Achilles tendon and roamed the Panther sideline on a rolling stool. After one particularly big shot by one of his Panther players, he fell off the stool in an act of celebration.

Hunter and GSU are making their second appearance in the NCAA Tournament and it is the third visit for Hunter, who also mentored IUPUI into the Big Dance. His teams have participated in the NIT, CBI and CIT. He is no stranger to postseason basketball.

Hunter’s career coaching record of 421-303 (.581) is outstanding. He’s been even better with the Panthers earning a .625 winning percentage (140-84), but it is he gregarious personality and his passion for mid-major basketball that wins him the admiration of so many.

Remembering the stool and the difference between smaller programs and the power 5 teams, Hunter is trying to use the financial differences to motivate his players. Though he respects Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin, but had to learn to dislike Cronin when he recruited Hunter’s son R. J.

 

 

Beating the Mid-Major drum, Hunter says his players play with a chip on their shoulders and he fears the National Tournament is becoming a power 5 tournament, so he’s happy to get to play in the event.

Hunter believes too much attention is placed on the ‘5 %’ of college basketball teams and players, and wants to enjoy the experience. Hunter wants to remind people that it is the 95% of teams and players that truly make college basketball special.

 

 

When asked about the diminishing number of mid-major teams in March Madness, Hunter says the way the deck is stacked, means conference championships have lost their importance and that now he coaches his teams to be ready for three games in March.

Hunter expresses his dissatisfaction with the way the NCAA has changed things, the Selection Committee and the criteria for entering March Madness is devoid of common sense.

 

 

When he speaks to Middle Tennessee not making the NCAA Tournament, then affects the Blue Raider program, because without the opportunity to play in the national tournament, superior coaches like Kermit Davis leave programs they’ve built for greener pastures, but also for the chance to consistently be given an invitation to the dance.

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