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2019 NBA Mock Draft: There’s movement in the top 5

By Brendon Kleen

CHARLESTON, IL - JANUARY 17: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers brings the ball up court during the game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Lantz Arena on January 17, 2019 in Charleston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHARLESTON, IL - JANUARY 17: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers brings the ball up court during the game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Lantz Arena on January 17, 2019 in Charleston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 19: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers drives against Marques Bolden #20 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 19: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers drives against Marques Bolden #20 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

170. . F. Virginia. De'Andre Hunter. 9. player

This is just a hunch but we could see both Hunter and Ty Jerome be overvalued in June, much as Villanova’s four first-round picks were last year. NBA teams seem to trust proven older prospects from established, winning programs who were coached well in college. Villanova built itself into a powerhouse churning guys like that out and saw four players go in the first round after their national championship in 2018. If Virginia avoids an early exit from this year’s tournament, the same could happen for them.

Hunter would, in that situation, be the Mikal Bridges of Virginia. He is the most athletic, modern player of the group and uses a varied skill set to affect the game all over the box score. Virginia’s strength is its system on both ends and buy-in from all the pieces (and a great defense) but Hunter is probably the most important individual player.

He could easily join the NBA and help a winning team early in his career as a switchable defensive piece who can shoot and move the ball on offense. As with most small ball forwards, he could be a bit better rebounding but has a solid all-around package.

Check out our full scouting report on De’Andre Hunter.