But in the halls of the school, it was a different story.
"He was very quiet," said his former math teacher Linda Quinlan.
But Hunter carried the same work ethic that got him success on the court into the classroom.
"He worked hard, and he didn't expect results without working hard," said Quinlan.
She was among the many people from Friends Central School who watched on TV as Hunter and the University of Virginia won the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Game Monday night.
The school hosted a watch party. And, yes, students stayed late into the night watching the dramatic overtime game.
"We're saying 'Give it to De'Andre!'" recalled sophomore Zach Platt of the moments before Hunter hit a three-pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime.
The Cavaliers went on to defeat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 85-77.
This year's seniors were freshmen when Hunter graduated in 2016. But even younger students remember just how good he was.
"I remember we'd come in like 4th grade and everyone would be like 'De'Andre! He's going to be big!'" said sophomore Sydney Hornenstien.
Some of Hunter's most dedicated supporters were in the crowd in Minneapolis when he helped UVA win its first National Championship. The redshirt sophomore made sure that his former coach, athletic director, middle school teacher and head of school all got tickets to the game.
"It's like a big family. It really is," said Friends Central School Dean of Students Tom McFarlane.
Everyone on campus is proud of Hunter, who had a game-high 27 points in the championship. He's one of few students to score 1,000 points during their athletic careers at Friends Central.
Students and teachers are hoping that he may come back to visit the place where it all started.
"I would love that if he came back," said freshman Madison Smith. "That would be so awesome!"
Eagles defensive end and Virginia alum Chris Long showed some love on Twitter, writing "Philly please give it up for DeAndre Hunter. He's one of your own. He showed up big in the same building we did. Man...." - referring to the Super Bowl LII win in Minneapolis.
Virginia became the first overall one-seed in history to get knocked out by a 16 seed in the first round last year.
Under his bio on Virginiasports.com, Hunter said his career goals "are to get a degree and win a national championship."
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https://6abc.com/sports/phillys-deandre-hunter-leads-virginia-to-ncaa-championship/5239726/
2019-04-09 15:33:45Z
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