SPARTA, MI – Lindsey Hunter’s tenure as the Sparta boys varsity basketball coach has ended before the start of his first season atop the program.
After hiring the former Detroit Pistons guard in early July, the district announced Tuesday that Hunter has stepped down from the position.
“We thank coach Hunter for his interest in our program and for his commitment to youth basketball,” Sparta Superintendent Joel Stoner said in a press release. “We remain committed to supporting our student-athletes and ensuring a positive and successful basketball season.”
The district is “actively working on the next steps for the boys varsity basketball program and will communicate further details once plans are finalized,” according to the release.
Hunter cited family obligations as the reason for his decision.
“Due to unforeseen family health problems and responsibilities, I’m sadly forced to step down as Sparta’s head boys basketball coach,” he said in the release. “I respect and appreciate the mutual decision that has been reached, and I wish the program nothing but growth and success moving forward.
“I want to sincerely thank Joel Stoner, Josh Sepanik, the boosters club and all the players and parents for the opportunity. It has been a privilege to work with the student-athletes, staff and community, and I am truly grateful for the relationships that have been developed. I will always continue to support the school and the Sparta community.”
The NBA champion with the Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers was drawn to the West Michigan community after learning about Sparta junior Griffin Gullekson, who played his sophomore basketball season while undergoing cancer treatment.
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After wrapping up his 17-year NBA career, Hunter started his high school coaching career as an assistant at Southfield Christian, guiding the Eagles and two of his sons, Lindsey Hunter III and Lindsey Hunter IV, to the 2012 Class D state championship.
He also spent three seasons as the men’s head basketball coach at Mississippi Valley State, one season as a college assistant coach and two seasons as an NBA assistant coach, eventually becoming the interim head coach for the Phoenix Suns for the second half of the 2012-13 campaign.