Photo credit: Ryan Weaver for the Big 12 Conference
KANSAS CITY — Tyrese Hunter told reporters on Wednesday that name, image and likeness opportunities did not play a part in his decision to enter the transfer portal and leave Iowa State after last season.
That statement runs contrary to the narrative from the days after Hunter’s announcement when the prevailing thought was name, image and likeness opportunities were a driving force in the decision.
Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard even went as far as to say during a radio interview in Des Moines that Hunter had signed a deal with an agent.
“Zero percent,” Hunter said on Wednesday when asked what role NIL played in his decision to transfer during the Big 12’s men’s basketball media day in Kansas City. “That narrative, it was crazy. I didn’t know how it came out. I never even talked about no NIL with Texas until after I committed. That was just little opportunities. I felt like that came with any school I went to. NIL was getting bigger and bigger as schools go along. My main focus was to get to the next level and player development.”
Hunter played in 35 games for Iowa State last season while averaging 11 points, 4.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game last season. He was named the Big 12’s Freshman of the Year and was a finalist for national defensive player of the year awards.
The point guard from Racine, Wis. was a crucial piece in Iowa State’s turnaround from a two-win team in 2020-21 under Steve Prohm to a Sweet 16 team in 2021-22 under T.J. Otzelberger.
Hunter said he did what he could to make sure he left on a positive note even if the outside sentiments might not have been positive.
“It wasn’t too harsh,” Hunter said. “I felt like we all knew it was straightforward. Just having a talk with them. I didn’t want to leave off on a bad note. Just talking about I feel like moving on would be the best option for me, thanking them for everything they did for me.”
Hunter is expected to be a key piece of Texas’ team this season in year two under head coach Chris Beard. He’s expected to share a significant amount of the backcourt responsibilities with veteran guard Marcus Carr, who transferred to Austin last year after a successful career at Minnesota.
Having Carr by his side will be a stark contrast from Hunter’s situation in Ames last season where he averaged 31.9 minutes per game as the only true point guard on the roster.
Finding a situation where that pressure can be lifted while Hunter can still put his skills on display was a key piece in his transfer decision-making process.
“Really just looking for somewhere I can strive and show my game more,” Hunter said. “Being there, being the only point guard last year, (trying to) take a little weight off my shoulders. Mainly just looking to showcase my skills and find somewhere I can showcase and go to the next level.”
Hunter will make his return to Ames when Texas visits Hilton Coliseum on Jan. 17. He already knows what will be waiting for him when he arrives.
“I expect it to be crazy,” Hunter said. “That’s what fans are supposed to do. Whether if I came in there or LeBron James came in there, it’s going to be crazy regardless… It’s not going to be weird, because I’m an opponent. I expect it to be like that. It will probably be like that everywhere I go. I’m not really trippin’ on it.”
