Hunter exits Sweden, signs on with Globies

Monday, Oct. 25, 2004 | 9:59 a.m.

Former UNLV shooting guard Demetrius Hunter, whose basketball sojourn to Sweden barely lasted two weeks, signed a contract Friday in Phoenix to play with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Hunter had inked a deal to play for Sallen Basket in Uppsala, Sweden, which is being coached by former Rebels assistant coach Deane Martin, and Hunter left for Europe on Oct. 1.

By the middle of the month, he had returned to Las Vegas. There were rumors that Hunter's physical condition had been an issue, but he said he signed a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits him from commenting about his departure from Sallen.

"They can say that" he wasn't in shape, Hunter said, "but I know the truth. I mean, if I wasn't in shape how could I make another team? But I signed papers and I can't discuss what happened.

"It just didn't work out. It was just different. I told coach that I appreciated the opportunity, but it was just something ... it wasn't basketball-related. The business side just didn't work out."

Martin could not be reached for comment.

Hunter, 24, played in two exhibition games for Sallen, scoring 16 points in the first one and 13 in the second. A Swedish basketball Web site reported that Sallen had sent Hunter home, which he disputed.

"No, I wanted to go home," he said. "I did everything coach wanted me to do. I wasn't uncomfortable from the moment I got there ... I'd say I was questioning things."

Hunter, a Cheyenne High graduate, initially played college ball at Georgetown but transferred to UNLV to be closer to friends, family and young daughter Destini. His two playing seasons as a Rebel were hindered by injuries to both ankles.

By many accounts, he excelled in an area summer league, which enticed him to delay applying for employment with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Hunter said he had been back in town for five days when he heard from a Globetrotters official late Wednesday night, with an offer to try out for the famous traveling team at its Arizona headquarters Friday and Saturday.

An official offer was made to him, and he quickly accepted, after Friday morning's practice session. Hunter will report back to Phoenix in early December and play with the Trotters' North American team through April.

"I had a bad experience, but it wasn't all bad," Hunter said of Sweden. "It was very unpleasant for the first time around. It makes you question whether you really want to keep doing this, know what I mean? But another door popped open and I took advantage of it.

"I don't doubt I can play this game. I just want to go in and do everything they want me to; dunk a little bit, whatever it is. I'm just happy to be a part of the organization that I grew up watching."