Friday, Sept. 24, 2004 | 10:04 a.m.
Former UNLV basketball player Demetrius Hunter signed a contract late Thursday to play this season in Uppsala, Sweden, for former Rebels assistant coach Deane Martin.
Hunter, a Cheyenne High graduate, was plagued by ankle injuries the last two seasons. In late May, he was focusing on gaining employment with Metro Police when he accepted an offer to play in a local summer camp.
"Everyone was talking about how well he had been playing, and he was enjoying playing again because he was healthy," Martin said. "He had those injuries the last two years that kept him from playing like he could, and he really wanted to play some more."
Martin said Hunter will get time at point guard, shooting guard and small forward.
"I'm blessed," Hunter said immediately after signing his contract. "This gives me a second chance. I can't give anyone thanks but God, with all I've been through. And I feel good. I can't ask for anything more."
Martin, about to embark on his first head coaching assignment, was an assistant to Charlie Spoonhour for all of Spoonhour's three seasons in Las Vegas. New Rebels coach Lon Kruger hired a new staff when he got the job.
Martin leaves for Sweden early Saturday, and Hunter said he arranged a flight for next Friday.
"He could have taken another guard," Hunter said. "I didn't have any big-time college (statistics), so it's a blessing for me to have this chance. The last five months have been hell for me."
European teams can have a maximum of two American players on their rosters, and Hunter said he would have enjoyed playing with former Rebels center J.K. Edwards in Sweden. But Edwards signed with a team in France early in the summer.
"He didn't know I'd play ball again. Heck, I didn't even know," Hunter said. "I've just got to play. Deane told me, 'D. Hunter, just go play.' I can help him help me."
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