Potential first-round pick De’Andre Hunter will return to Virginia for his sophomore year rather than entering this year’s draft, he announced today (via Twitter).
A 6’7″ wing, Hunter put up modest numbers for the Cavaliers in his freshman year, averaging 9.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 1.1 APG before a broken wrist ended his season. However, he posted an impressive shooting line (.488/.382/.755), and his 7’2″ wingspan creates impressive versatility on defense.
Hunter is ranked as the No. 18 on Jonathan Givony’s big board at ESPN.com for 2018. In Givony’s most recent mock draft for 2019, the Virginia freshman is projected as the No. 11 pick.
Hunter will have a chance to improve his stock even further and potentially solidify himself as a lottery pick for 2019 with a strong sophomore year at Virginia.
Love to see a kid go back to school. Stay healthy and get better young man!
Smart kid. If he is #11-20 in this year’s draft, there is a decent chance with a good year he jumps about 5-10 spots in next year’s much weaker class.