Wilbert Hunter came to Chowan in August of 1988 after being recruited by legendary basketball coach, Bob Burke. The Raleigh, North Carolina native attended Athens Drive High School where he was a standout basketball player.
In his senior season the forward averaged 22 points an outing, enough to turn heads of many college coaches. Wilbert was invited to play in the notable East vs. West North Carolina All-Star game, where he dropped 16 points. Ultimately, Wilbert chose Chowan to continue his education and playing career under Burke.
Wilbert played for two seasons for the famed coach Bob Burke and achieved remarkable success. In his sophomore season, he averaged 16.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He was instrumental in Chowan’s drive to the 1992 NJCAA Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. Hunter led the Braves in total points and total rebounds in the 1992 season. He was the second player to ever achieve that mark in Burke’s years at Chowan. Hunter was named to All-Coastal Conference Team and the All-Tournament Team in the Coal Classic in (Jasper, Ala.) Hunter was also named to the All-Tournament Team in Chowan’s own tournament, The NBC Classic.  Also in his sophomore season, Hunter shot 55% from the floor (220 of 399) and 66% percent from the foul line (100 of 151). Hunter was named the team’s MVP in his last season with the team.Â
Coach Bob Burke said, "Wilbert was the second most versatile player he has coached at Chowan. Wil's love for the game and his hunger to get to Kansas was amazing. His 'team first' spirit was contagious. He worked hard on all aspects of his game."
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Following his years at Chowan, Wilbert continued his playing career at East Carolina University. In 1993, Hunter would also help lead the East Carolina Pirates only their 2nd NCAA appearance the school’s history where they played the eventual NCAA Champion the North Carolina Tarheels.  In two seasons with the Pirates, he averaged just over six points and six rebounds a game.
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Wilbert is married to Lakisha Hunter; together they have one daughter, Leylin Hunter. They reside in Maryland. Wilbert is employed by the Department of Justice as a software tester. He also serves as an assistant coach for the boys’ basketball team at Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland.
