Virginia redshirt sophomore forward De'Andre Hunter has declared for the 2019 NBA Draft, he today announced via Instagram.
In his post, he shared that "playing NBA was always a lifelong dream," adding that he would be signing an agent and foregoing his remaining two years of eligibility.
Hunter starred for Virginia in the 2018-19 season, averaging 15.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists to help lead the Cavaliers to the first National Championship in school history. In the National Championship game, Hunter scored a game-high 27 points (on 8-for-16 shooting) and grabbed nine rebounds as Virginia earned an eight-point win over Texas Tech.
With a 6-foot-7, 225-pound frame, Hunter possesses an NBA-ready body that gives him the potential to be an elite two-way player. He earned a number of honours following the 2018-19 season including NABC Defensive Player of the Year, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-ACC as well as four different All-American honours.
Hunter is considered to be a top-10 prospect by a number of publications and websites including ESPN, NBADraft.net and Tankathon.
Because of his size and playing style, Hunter has drawn comparisons to Kawhi Leonard, OG Anunoby, and Thaddeus Young.
