DeLonnie Hunt (183-PG-2001, college: Richmond, agency: Players Group) is a 24 year old 183cm guard playing his rookie season with KK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia-Premijer Liga). He began his basketball career at Rock Creek Christian Academy and also played at DC Premier (DC) (UAA U17). He then played at Wagner College (NCAA) from 2020-2023 playing a total of 99 games. He then finished at the University of Richmond (NCAA) averaging 9.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 76.6% and 15.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 84.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his 44 point game.

Thanks Delonnie for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently scored 44 points in a game and was the highest scorer in the world. You did it in first division Croatia which is a very respected league in Europe. What does this feat mean to you?

It means a lot to me personally just proving that I can compete at a very high level in Europe and that all the work that I’ve put in to prepare for this stage is paying off! Especially having that type of game against ABA league competition following a 30pt performance against another ABA league team (Zadar) also proves that I can be consistent in scoring the ball at an efficient rate!

You have been a good scorer in your NCAA career but not a guy that averaged 20,0ppg or more. Did this scoring total surprise you a bit?

I wouldn’t say surprised me but definitely impressed myself! My last year at Richmond I showcased this scoring ability before I was injured, It was just during my time in college I was never asked to score at such a high rate. That didn’t mean I was incapable but just meant I had to contribute in other major ways to winning! I always knew and had the confidence to put the ball in the basket so I can’t say it surprised me but it felt good to have those kind of numbers and result in a win.

Did you have a special breakfast or do something different on this day to help you achieve so many points?

No, nothing really special just treated the day like any other game day however we did travel to split by van the same day of the game so once we got on the court I took some extra time to rollout and band stretch than usual.

How did you feel going into the game? Do you sometimes know how your game may go after warm ups and how your shot is feeling?

Just really focused, was a much needed win to put us in a better position going into round 3, didn’t really go in overthinking just more so focused and willing to do what it took to win!

How did you get into the game flow? How rapidly did you know that you might have a real good scoring day?

My captain Gara (#5) found me on back to back fast breaks for a three that I made after I had made a layup so those quick 8 points really kind of got me going! It wasn’t until about the 3rd quarter when I realized the rate I was scoring because like I said before I was just focused on doing what it took to win the game

The team had 22 assists in the game and you 6. How many of your buckets were made on the isolation?

A good amount were made on isolation, some came from transition and P&R too. My coach trusts me not only to score but to make the right play late shot clock and when defenses switch and also I’m surrounded by shooters so I’m able to use my speed to get down hill on driving lanes and create space for 3s as well.

You produced well from the 2, 3 and FT line. Is it fair to say that you displayed your 3 level scoring well?

For sure as a small guard it’s important to be able to score in all different aspects, opens the game up for myself and my teammates.

You followed up the next game with 33 and had 77 points in 2 games. Does a performance like that of Bam Adebayo give you hope you might score 50 points one day?

Lol Not something that I am hoping for, I think it would be an awesome accomplishment but I can’t say it’s something I’m hoping for if I feel I can make it happen it’s beneficial for the team then it would be even better

What was your favorite own basket of the 44 point game?

Probably the one that gave me 40! Not just because of the points but that basket put us up 10 with 3 minutes left which is pretty tough to come back from for any team!

Did you get any special messages from people that you might not have expected from?

Yes for sure! Every message I got was special to me because it just shows the support system and the amount of people keeping up with me even though I’m not in America anymore!

Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?

Nah no donuts lol maybe next time.

Thanks Delonnie for the chat.