deandre-hunter-hd.jpg

12 - DeAndre Hunter

6-7, 225 Small Forward/Power Forward
Virginia Sophomore
Birthday
12/01/97 (26.3 yrs)
Hometown
Philadelphia, PA
High School
Friends Central School
Team Site Profile
Statistics
Athleticism
8
Size
9
Defense
9
Strength
8
Quickness
7
Leadership
7
Jump Shot
9
NBA Ready
8
Ball Handling
7
Potential
7
Passing
7
Intangibles
8

NBA Comparison: OG Anunoby/Thaddeus Young

Strengths: Athletic forward with a versatile skill set … Strong Body … Can play multiple positions on both ends of the floor … Possesses good length with a 7’2" wingspan … Plays very hard on both ends … His focus, energy and intensity on every play is impressive … He plays under control and really seems to understand his game … Plays to his strengths and rarely forces things or gets out of control … He shows good footwork and agility for his size … Above average athlete overall … Offensively, he is very versatile as he should be able to play both the SF and PF positions, at times, in the NBA … Some scouts have even mentioned the 2G at times, but that is probably a stretch … Excellent mid-range jump shooter … Can create some off the dribble … Plays under control and gets to his spots … Impressive 3pt shooter at 42% this season … shows range to 22’ … Scores well around the basket … good body control … Has a good feel for how to score at all three levels … Decent ball handler and passer for his size …  He has a good feel for the game on this end … Defensively, he can guard multiple positions … He can switch 1-5 as well as anyone his size which fits right into today’s modern NBA game … He plays hard and gives great effort on this end … His length and commitment give him elite upside as a defender … Team oriented player, he puts winning over individual success and stats … Has an excellent approach to the game mentally … Shows leadership skills and the ability to be a good teammate … All his numbers and percentages have improved while taking on a bigger role this year at Virginia … Beacame a mature and disciplined player with three years at Virginia …

Weaknesses:
There is not one clear thing that he does elite for the next level … He has offensive versatility but what go to move does he have for the NBA? … Has never shown the ability to take over games offensively … He can shoot the NBA 3pt shot but he has limited attempts and he isn’t a shoot first type player … His ideal position is still a question mark … Not sure if his perimeter handle or passing will allow him to be a high-level SF … Also uncertainty about whether his size and physicality will allow him to be a high-level PF … He is considered a “versatile and possibly elite defender” by many scouts but his steal and block rate is very low for that projection … He looks mechanical at times … For his size, length and agility his rebounding numbers are shockingly low …He is an older Sophomore compared to most , turning 22 later this year …

Outlook:
 Hunter is considered a likely Lottery pick and possible top 7-8 pick for the 2019 NBA draft by NBA scouts … He isn’t great at any one skill, but his versatility in all areas should make him an elite complimentary player to any style of play in the NBA … With the methodical style that Virginia plays, he might have more offensive ability when he gets the opportunity to showcase more of his game at the next level … He has a chance to be a quality starter and at minimum should be a versatile 6th man … He really fits the modern NBA game well …

Notes: Averaged 23.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.5 blocks in 2015-16 at Friends Central School in Philadelphia … Was a 2016-2017 redshirt before beginning his playing career at Virginia … Native of Philadelphia, PA … Son of Priscilla Hunter … Has two sisters, Candice and Cheyanne, and one brother, Aaron …

Michael Justin 4/7/19

Related News

Facebooktwitterredditmail