Basketball Star Commits to WKU Hunter: Without Basketball, I would be nothing. The Pony Express By Antonio Scott November 10, 2014

There is no question many high school basketball players work hard on the court

to succeed in not only their games, but ultimately, life. A continuing theme for thousands

of student athletes across the nation is the want to win, earning a spot on Varsity, or

even taking their talents to the next level.

Houston Senior basketball shooting forward Marlon Hunter is a workaholic.

Marlon stays in the gym tirelessly. He gives 110%, said Houston High Head Mens

Basketball Coach William Buford. Having this mindset has given Hunter the opportunity

to play at the collegiate level. Whether it may be preparatory, collegiate, or professional,

high school student athletes grind their way to the top, by any means necessary.

On Thursday, November 06, 2014, Hunter chose a jersey. At a school pep rally

for the upcoming basketball season, Hunter announced his commitment to Western

Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The University of Tennessee at

Chattanooga, University of Tennessee at Martin, University of Arkansas Little Rock,

East Tennessee State University, and Western Kentucky University only began the list

of basketball programs offering Hunter a jersey on their squad.

Hunter attributes ball handling and shooting off the dribble as his biggest

accomplishments during his student athletic career. Working on my weak hand, which

is my left hand, is an important factor for play[ing] on a big level and accomplishing my

goals; thats winning. A level he will soon come into contact with, following yesterdays

verbal commitment.

A training key for Hunter is his energy. Hunters energy led him to score a

whopping 43 points during a scrimmage game against Hamilton at home last Saturday.

By working hard and pushing himself, Hunter has set and succeeded at goals many

student athletes can only dream to accomplish.

At the onset of his junior year, Hunter transferred to Houston from inner-city

Melrose High School, stating learning the system on how to work, education wise, was

his biggest success while wearing a Houston jersey.

Basketball is not merely a sport to Hunter: but an ever-evolving passion. This is

a way out, thats why I push myself; because without basketball, I would be nothing.

While briefly tearing up during the interview, Hunter notes Growing up, I didnt have a

father figure in my life. So, Im the only person in my family to do something.

Despite the obvious talents and Hunters seldom seen athletic ability, basketball

was not Hunters first choice. Playing football during his childhood opened the door for

basketball to move into his path and provide him with a passion, dream, and purpose.

When Hunters former coach saw Hunters height, he took Hunter to the gym. He

[Coach Gainer] pushed me and told me youre going to be somebody in life. Those

seeds of excellence by inspiration Coach Harry Gainer planted into Hunters lifestyle are

finally beginning to sprout.

Hunter is fond of the quote Never let anyone tell you what you can do, always

strive for the best and never give up. Evidently striving for the next level in basketball,

Hunter acknowledges his humble beginnings. I had no left hand, my shooting was

horrible, I couldnt even get the ball into the hole at all. When Coach Gainer began to

continuously work with Hunter and show him the avenues of escape basketball

provided, he fell in love with it.

United we stand, divided we fall: United we rise is the mantra in which Coach

Buford leads Houstons Mens team. Without that, were not a team. Hunter says.

Playing center most of his middle school career, due to his height, Hunter is

excited to take his talents to WKU as a shooting guard. I know there are four seniors

leaving, so Ill get a lot of playing time and Ill be able handle the pressure. His love for

the WKU atmosphere and the admiration of the coaching staff nailed Hunters decision

to commit to the Kentucky school. I know theyll push me to the limit, and get me to the

pros.

Hunter derives his inspiration from his uncle. Ever since he moved me from

Panama City, he has been the father in my life. He taught me right from wrong and

straightened me up. Due to his uncles and Coachs Gainers belief that I will be

somebody Hunter said, nothing could be impossible, even Hunters dreams at playing

basketball, whether its in college, overseas, or the NBA.

The daily inspiration he continues to gain from his uncle has lead Hunter to the

national stage. Driving from within, Hunter is know prepared to play at Western

Kentucky University, continuing his quest to break through expectations, succeed

barriers, and ball his way to significance as a household name in the world of collegiate

basketball and beyond.