ACC Basketball: 5 rising stars to keep an eye on in 2018-19

1. De’Andre Hunter, Virginia

Guard De’Andre Hunter and the Virginia Cavaliers have some unfinished business to take care of in 2018-19. Hunter is a big part of that, especially after ignoring the calls of jumping to the NBA after appearing in 33 games for the Virginia Cavaliers in 2017-18.

His claim to fame last season was draining a 3-point buzzer beater to lift the Cavaliers over the Louisville Cardinals back on March 1. Despite going 2-for-7 from the floor, Hunter went 2-for-3 from 3-point range to lift Virginia to the 67-66 victory.

After losing in historical fashion to a 16-seed in the NCAA Tournament, there’s work to be done by Virginia. That’s where Hunter comes in after averaging 9.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest last season. He was awarded the ACC’s Sixth Man of the Year award when it was all said and done. Now, he looks to infiltrate the ranks of first or second-team honors.

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Hunter scored in double figures in 16 of his 33 appearances for the Cavaliers, showing off his abilities in just 19.9 minutes of action per game. He shot 48.8% from the field and 38.2% from 3-point land as a freshman. He should come into his own entering 2018-19.