Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Wisconsin Basketball: An under-the-radar transfer could prove pivotal in a gigantic ’24 season

The Wisconsin basketball staff made several signings this offseason, and one particular player could make a significant impact on the team as the season progresses.

Camren Hunterformer Central Arkansas basketball player suffered a similar fate to another Wisconsin transfer, John Tonje, last season. Both Tonje and Hunter suffered season-ending lower-body injuries last season and were unable to contribute to the team. Hunter missed the entire season, while Tonje played in a few games before suffering an injury.

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Wisconsin men’s basketball players Daniel Freitag (5) and Marcus Ilver defend Xavier Amos (13) during practice at Nicholas Johnson Pavillion in Madison, Wisconsin, Thursday, September 26, 2024.

Hunter was a dominant force for Central Arkansas as a true sophomore on offense before his injury. Two seasons ago, in 2022-2023, the guard averaged 16.9 points, five rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Hunter shot 43.4% and 80% from the free throw line during his two seasons at Central Arkansas.

One of Hunter’s biggest concerns was the injury, which was part of the reason why the defenseman didn’t pay much attention to the transfer portal. Hunter suffered an ankle injury and many teams were concerned it might impact his explosiveness. But Wisconsin’s staff sees more potential in Hunter than they risk.

Wisconsin basketball guard Camren Hunter Potential breakout player in the 2024 season

Camren Hunter, basketball guard from Wisconsin
December 28, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs forward JaKobe Coles (21) and Central Arkansas Bears guard Camren Hunter (23) go for the ball in the first half at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

While many fans and members of the media may be concerned about what Hunter can bring to the team, the defender actually has a lot to offer both on and off the field.

On the court, Hunter is a forward who can shoot in a variety of ways at the rim, and his developing jump shot opens up fresh shooting opportunities. The last time Hunter played, the guard shot 31.1% from three-point range, but he showed significant improvement. Hunter is still working on his jump shot, but with a full year off to work on his shot, the guard could become devastatingly true for the Badgers.

While Hunter may not have had the greatest history of shooting the basketball, the point guard was in a position where he had to make things happen. In the past, Central Arkansas severely lacked the numbers and offensive talent to match what Hunter could provide. In a fresh environment in Madison, with other successful scorers, Hunter was able to truly blossom for the team.

Defensively, Hunter can also contribute a lot to the Wisconsin basketball team as he has developed a reputation as a pickpocket. Hunter averaged 1.5 steals per game in two seasons with the Central Arkansas basketball team.

Off the court, the guard has just as much impact on the Wisconsin basketball team as he does on the court. While the transition can be complex at times, Hunter is someone who consistently maintains a positive attitude. There’s always a smiling defender on the pitch who consistently cheers up his teammates when they’re struggling emotionally.

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December 28, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Central Arkansas Bears head coach Anthony Boone talks with Central Arkansas Bears linebacker Camren Hunter (23) during the first half of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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