By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Othello Hunter, a 10-year EuroLeague veteran and former champion, announced his retirement from basketball on social media.
Hunter began his EuroLeague journey in 2013 with Montepaschi Siena and moved to Olympiacos the next year, quickly establishing himself as one of the most reliable centers in the competition. He also played with Real Madrid, CSKA Moscow, with which he was crowned EuroLeague champion in 2019, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Bayern Munich.
Hunter wrote the following:
“Thank you, lord, for the beautiful memories. For the good and bad times as well. You have given me so much, and I’m truly thankful for that. Ever since I made that comment in my high school lunch line that ‘basketball won’t provide for me and my family,’ you have truly blessed me beyond measure.
The guy who was convinced to play basketball, so funny how that statement provide me wrong. The love for this game grew more and more; everything I asked, dreamed, and prayed about you made them come true. To my mom, dad, and sisters, thank you for just letting me be me and always showing me your support along the way.
To my beautiful wife, no words can describe how grateful and thankful I am of you. To my beautiful baby girl, just know that daddy loves you and will always be right there with you as you grow into the beautiful young person you are.
To my agents David Lee, Donnell Bruce, and Misko Raznatovic, I just want to say THANK YOU. You guys aren’t just my agents; you are my family, and I’m truly blessed to have great people like you along the way.
To all the teams and fans along the way, I truly am thankful for your support. You guys made this game stressful at times, but it was all love. Most people would say that this game was all about money, but to me, it was and always will be about competition and building relationships.
To the next generation of athletes, don’t worry about what the next person is getting. Always worry about yourself and becoming the best you as possible. Never stop believing in yourself. Never take practices or games off. Continue to keep working on your craft. And enjoy the journey most of all. Stay blessed.”
Othello Hunter played 275 games in the EuroLeague, averaging 8.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. He started his pro career with the Atlanta Hawks, then moved to Europe in 2010 with Greek club Ilysiakos. Hunter also played for Dinamo Sassari, Shandong Lions, Azovmash, Valladolid, and Jiangsu Dragons before joining Montepaschi to compete in the top European competition.
In addition to winning the EuroLeague with CSKA, he secured two titles in the VTB League and two in the Greek League, along with two Israeli Championships, a Spanish Cup, and an Italian Supercup.