CJ Huntley, an alum of App State Men's Basketball, made history by debuting in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns this past Sunday. With this milestone, he becomes the first Mountaineer to play in an NBA game since 1952. Huntley scored his initial points with just over a minute left in the Suns' 120-98 victory against the Toronto Raptors. His journey included significant achievements at App State, where he led the team to a record 27 wins and an NCAA Tournament appearance.

By the Numbers
  • CJ Huntley scored his first NBA points with 1:22 remaining in the game.
  • Huntley averaged 16 points and 8.8 rebounds in 28 games for the G-League affiliate, Valley Suns.
Yes, But

Huntley鈥檚 performance will need to be sustained at the NBA level, contrasting the success he experienced in college and the G-League during his developmental phase.

State of Play
  • Huntley has signed a two-way contract with the Suns, allowing him to play for both the NBA team and its G-League affiliate.
  • The Suns are set to play in Charlotte on April 2, marking Huntley's first return to North Carolina as a professional player.
What's Next

Huntley will aim to build on his debut performance as the Suns' season progresses, especially with key games approaching. His development in the G-League will also be crucial for maintaining his roster spot in the NBA.

Bottom Line

CJ Huntley鈥檚 debut is a significant achievement, reflecting both his talent and potential in the NBA, while also inspiring a new generation of players from App State.