Although I would've liked to have seen Chris Hunter make the New York Knicks team, his release Thursday could be a tremendous boost for the Mad Ants.

Hunter, who averaged 19 points and nearly 10 rebounds last season with the Mad Ants, was cut by the Knicks on Thursday. No doubt he'll try to find another NBA team that is interested in him.

If that doesn't occur, then there's a solid chance he could be back in Fort Wayne when the NBA D-League season begins in late November.

Another year of D-League seasoning could help Hunter, who was unquestionably the best player on the team last year.

If anything, Hunter has some strength issues, particularly on the block. He's quick enough around the basket, but if he's to go against NBA centers on a nightly basis, he's going to have to get stronger.

He says he watches his diet and often has chicken breasts, but a couple McDonald's and a shake wouldn't hurt the guy either to put on a few pounds.

My guess is that we'll see Hunter back here. He's already done the European swing, which brought him back to the States. And he is close to catching on with an NBA team.

An added plus for his return is that he'll get to play for veteran coach Joey Meyer. That, in itself, would be reason enough to come back to Fort Wayne.