“He was amazing,’’ Ainge said of viewing Hud son during the 2007-08 season. “He did everything. I don’t remember the exact stats, but he did everything.’’
And that might have been an understatement - Hudson was involved in everything, and more. That season, Hudson led UT-Martin in assists (4.5), blocked shots (22), rebounds (259), scoring (25.7 ppg), and steals (94).
“No, it wasn’t a one-man team,’’ Hudson said of his ’07-08 performance. “I’m very active on both ends of the court. I like to compete on both ends. I like to score, I get in the passing lanes. I like to lift my team up, I come off the bench with great energy and lift my team, whether we’re up or down.’’
Last year, Hudson averaged 27.5 points per game, second in NCAA Division 1. But with the Celtics’ team in the Summer Pro League, Hudson is not expected to do quite as many things, nor be the go-to shooter. If the Celtics keep Hudson this season, he will be a point guard. And, all those numbers of the last two seasons have only placed him in a position of having to explain that he is not just a free-lance shooter.
“A lot of people didn’t know I can play defense,’’ Hudson said. “My coach tried to keep me from playing hard defense because I would get in foul trouble.’’
The 6-foot-3-inch Hudson had 9 points in an eight-minute first-half stint on the opening day of the Summer League Monday, an 87-56 win over Utah, finishing with 11 points.
In an 85-82 loss to Orlando yesterday, Hudson struggled with his shooting (2 for 6), missing three 3-pointers.
But Hudson has appeared comfortable at point guard, able to use either hand, and also able to play a complementary role. Hudson has been relieving Gabe Pruitt, but he also has been paired with Pruitt in the backcourt.
“It was great,’’ Hudson said of playing time so far. “You’ve got great guys around. I always love to see people score, get guys involved in the offense.’’
