Remembering UNLV Legend Anderson Hunt

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Lamarr Fields | Last updated 4/5/24

When you think of the UNLV Rebels basketball team in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the first name you think of is Larry Johnson. But another critical member of that team was guard Anderson Hunt.

Hunt at UNLV

Hunt spent three years at UNLV; as a freshman, Hunt averaged 12 points per game and shot 39% from the field. Also, he shot 36% from three-point land. In the 1989-90 season, Hunt averaged 15.9 points and 4.1 assists per game as the Running Rebels won the NCAA Championship against Duke 103-73. In the Regional final against Arizona, Hunt scored a huge three-pointer to give the Rebels the win. Against Duke in the championship, Hunt scored 29 points and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament.

In his Junior season, his final season as a Rebel, Hunt averaged a career-high 17.2 points per game. That season, the Rebels looked to repeat as champions but fell short of Duke in the championship game.

After his Junior season, Hunt left school to enter the NBA draft. UNLV’s coach, Jerry Tarkanian, did not support this decision. Instead, he wanted the Rebel’s star guard to return and play point guard for the team.

Hunt Post UNLV

In the 1991 NBA draft, Anderson Hunt was not selected. Instead, the four other UNLV Rebels were selected. Larry Johnson (No.1), Stacy Augmon (No.9), Greg Anthony (No.12), and George Ackles (No.29). Hunt ended up getting chosen by the La Crosse Catbirds in the second round of the Continental Basketball Association draft. Hunt spent time in the Washington Bullets training camp but did not make the team. After his time there, Hunt went on to play in Turkey, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and France before calling it quits.

At UNLV, Hunt was Known for his ability to defend, his soft jump shot, and his ability to run the court and get breakaway layups. Hunt finished his career as a Rebel with 283 three-pointers, 387 assists, and 1,632 points.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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