Jordan Hunter's return from injury in the NBL1 North

After missing the entire NBL campaign with the Sydney Kings, the return of North Gold Coast Seahawk, Jordan Hunter, has been one of the best stories of the NBL1 season. 

After completing his rehab of a left navicular fracture, Hunter has been able to play at full strength in front of his family in Queensland with the Seahawks in the NBL1 North. 

The star big man is averaging 16.5, 10.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and just under a block per game for the SeaHawks, his season highlights show just how versatile he is - being able to defend, score and pass at nearly seven-feet tall. 

Hunter was asked on the Coles Express NBL1 Show this week what emotions he went through after finally being able to step out on the court again for the Seahawks five months after his injury. 




“It was quite funny really, I hadn’t really thought about it a lot in the immediate lead up to the game,” Hunter said. 

“I was just back into the normal day-of-game looks for me. Then we were up at Northside and they called my number, and I went out there and we were ready to roll.

“I got a bit emotional, it was funny, I hadn’t expected that but when the ball went up it was all back to normal.” 

Megan Hustwaite asked if there was a sense of enjoyment coming back from a full-season injury.

“Obviously, when you are trying to make your way back there are frustrating elements,” he said.

“Primarily I was just excited and really happy to get out there and get my feet under me.”

Peter Hooley asked what was more frustrating, not being able to play when the Kings were struggling, or not being able to play during a Grand Final run.

“They are as frustrating as each other,” Hunter said. 

“If the team is struggling early you want to be out there and help them along. But then we turned the ship around, and we strung off all those wins, then we were staring down the barrel of a championship. 

“And you're just itching to be out there, so they were just frustrating in their own regard.”

The heart and soul of the team this season. #WeTheKings #NBLFinals

Read about how @jordihunter1 has translated his energy from playing to the bench here: https://t.co/SJgJrX5Fcx

CC: @JackHeverin @PeterHooley12 pic.twitter.com/OzuxNzClVy

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) May 11, 2022

Hooley was calling the Kings’ finals run live, where he spoke glowingly about Hunter’s impact even from the bench.

Check out the full interview on the Coles Express NBL1 Show here.