Members of the University of Virginia men’s basketball team were in the presence of Wahoo greatness on Saturday ahead of their game against Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
De’Andre Hunter, who starred for the Cavaliers from 2017-19, took a break from his time with the Atlanta Hawks to visit his old team and share a laugh with UVA coach Tony Bennett as the Hoos practiced at McCamish Pavilion.
Hunter was an All-American and the National Defensive Player of the Year in his final season with the Cavaliers. In UVA’s national championship win over Texas Tech, he scored 27 points, including the famous corner 3-pointer that tied the game at the end of regulation and forced overtime.
Hunter, the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is now in his fifth season with the Hawks, averaging just under 15 points per game.
The current Hoos, perhaps inspired by Hunter’s visit, defeated Georgia Tech on Saturday evening, 75-66, to claim their first victory in another team’s home arena this season. The Cavaliers now have a record of 13-5 (4-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play) entering Wednesday’s home game against North Carolina State University.
The Cavaliers, dating back to last season, have won a nation’s-best 20 consecutive games at home.
The UVA women’s basketball team is also riding high after its 91-87 upset of No. 15 Florida State University on Sunday. It’s back at John Paul Jones Arena on Thursday against the University of Pittsburgh.
University News Associate University Communications
fpa5up@virginia.edu (434) 924-6856
December 21, 2024
