2015 was perhaps the most fruitful in terms of athletics at Georgia State. Many Panthers have gone on to play professionally since their last seasons in Atlanta, so come and take a look at how some are doing now.
R.J. Hunter (Boston Celtics)
While at Georgia State: Hunter was a two-time AP All- American honorable mention. He set a handful of school records, most notably becoming the Panther’s All-time leading scorer in only three seasons. Hunter is widely known for leading No. 14 Georgia State to a late game comeback against No. 3 Baylor and hitting the game winning shot. He was selected No. 28 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Current Location: Boston, Massachusetts
First year as a pro: He has averaged 2.4 points while playing just under 9 minutes a game. Hunter was assigned to the NBA Development League on a couple of occasions, where he averaged 13.8 points in 30.8 minutes of action each contest. His career high was 12 in Atlanta against the Hawks on Nov. 24. His D-League high was 28 points.
Quote: “I still talk to Scrap (Ryan Harrow) almost every other day. T.J. and all of those guys, Kevin Ware, I miss them.”
Ryan Harrow (Rethymno Cretan Kings)
While at Georgia State: Harrow became a two-time All-Sun Belt first team player. He was the second quickest ever to reach 1,000 points at Georgia State. The Kentucky transfer is associated with scoring a career-high 37 points in the overtime loss against UL Lafayette in the 2014 Sun Belt Tournament Championship game. Harrow went undrafted in the NBA Draft and didn’t participate in the NBA Summer League.
Current Location: Rethymno, Cretan (Greece)
First year as a pro: He has averaged 11.9 points, 3.3 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game for the Kings. After battling injuries his senior season with the Panthers, he has played in 23 of the Kings’ 25 games. Harrow has shot 47.1 percent this season as well.
Matt Rose (Chicago Cubs minor league)
While at Georgia State: In 2015, Rose was named a Preseason All-American and was once led the nation in home runs. Rose was also a part time pitcher out of the bullpen for the Panthers, carrying a career record of 4-3, a 3.07 ERA and 7 saves. He was selected in the 11th round of the MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs.
Current Location: South Bend, Indiana
First year as a pro: Rose was called up from Class A short to Class A full in 2015 and had a .271 batting average, 37 RBIs to go along with 4 home runs overall. Rose saw some time with the Cubs in Spring Training this season and stole a base during his stint with the team.
Photo Submitted by Georgia State Athletics
Nathan Bates (Anaheim Angels minor league)
While at Georgia State: The six-foot-seven right-handed pitcher was a two-time Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week in 2015. He only allowed one hit and one walk in 7 innings in the season-opener against Fordham. Bates was selected in the 15th round of the MLB Draft to the Anaheim Angels after his junior season with the Panthers.
Current Location: Orem, Utah
First year as a pro: Bates went 1-3 in the rookie league with a 5.40 ERA with the Orem Owlz.In 14 appearances, Bates has allowed 26 hits and 16 earned runs. He was assigned to the Owlz two weeks after he was drafted.
