Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC We bring you last week's top former Titans players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Experienced champion Evan Bruinsma, a 6'9'' power forward at 33 years old who graduated from Detroit in 2014 and currently plays professionally in Israel, made a significant impact in Bnei Hertzeliya's narrow 2-point victory over the closely-ranked H.Gilboa Galil (15-10) in the Israeli Winner League last Wednesday. In an intense match, he showcased his skills by contributing 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in 31 minutes of play. With this crucial win, Bnei Ofek Dist Hertzeliya (18-7) secured the third position in the league standings, marking their third consecutive triumph. As the team gears up for their last Regular Season game, Bruinsma's exceptional performance highlighted his prowess as a finalist player, elevating his team towards success. Throughout the season, Bruinsma has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in the eight games he has played so far. His consistent contributions on the court demonstrate his dedication and talent as a champion athlete.
#2. Ray McCallum, a 34-year-old 6'3'' point guard and Titans alumnus from 2013, currently plays professionally in Taiwan. Recently, he showcased his skills by being a major contributor in a thrilling 98-97 victory for the TSG Ghosthawks over the closely-ranked Braves in the Taiwanese P. League+ (second division) last Saturday. In this highly anticipated matchup between two top 4 ranked teams, McCallum delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 18 points, hauling in 8 rebounds, providing 3 assists, and making 4 steals in just 31 minutes of play. This standout display by McCallum not only helped secure the narrow victory for the TSG Ghosthawks but also highlighted his capabilities as a champion player. Despite the TSG Ghosthawks being positioned second from the bottom in the league standings, McCallum's contributions on the court have been instrumental in their success. His consistent performance throughout the season, averaging 13.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in 10 appearances, underscores his value as a key player for his team.
#3. Canadian champion Cole Long, a 6'7'' small forward, 29 years old, who graduated from Detroit in 2019, and currently plays professionally in Canada, unfortunately couldn't lead the Niagara River Lions (1-2) to victory in their recent game. Despite his commendable performance, the Niagara team (#5) suffered a close 85-91 defeat on the road against the Blackjacks. Long shined as the top scorer with 12 points, along with contributing 4 rebounds and an impressive 4 blocks in 27 minutes of play. Even though the team faced a setback, it is still early in the season, leaving room for improvement and potential turnarounds. In a previous game against Ottawa, Long showcased his skills by scoring 12 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and providing 1 assist. Despite his notable contributions, the team fell short once again. Long's overall performance this season includes averaging 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game across three games.
#4. Ghanian Prince Oduro, a 27-year-old forward standing at 6'8'' and an alummi of the Titans from 2022, is currently playing professionally in Canada. He played a crucial role in the Brampton Honey Badgers' recent 93-90 victory over the Blackjacks in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. In the game, he scored 7 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in just 21 minutes of play. The Brampton Honey Badgers, with a 3-0 record this season, have been performing well under Oduro's leadership. His contributions on both ends of the court have been instrumental in the team's success so far in the Regular Season. Notably, Oduro's performance against Ottawa, where he scored 7 points and secured 7 rebounds, was pivotal in securing another victory for his team. Oduro's current season averages stand at 6.3 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game in the three games played. It is noteworthy that Oduro holds dual citizenship of both the United States and Ghana, allowing him to play as a domestic player in Ghana if needed. Oduro's consistent and impactful play has been vital in propelling his team towards success, with high hopes for further achievements as the season progresses towards the champion and finalist matchups.
Other former University of Detroit Mercy players, who play in pro basketball:
Bul Kuol (6'7''-G/F-1997, played in 2020-21) plays for Sydney Kings in Australian NBL
Thomas Kennedy (6'7''-F-1987, played in 2006-10) plays for SeaHorses Mikawa in Japanese B1 League
Antoine Davis (6'1''-G-1998, played in 2023-23) plays for Stockton Kings in the NBA G League
Emmanuel Kuac (6'7''-G/F, played in 2023-25) plays for Nassjo in Swedish Basketligan
Kameron Chatman (6'8''-G/F-1996, played in 2016-16) plays for H.Kralove in Czech Republic NBL
Madut Akec (6'7''-F-1999, played in 2021-22) played for Waverley Falcons in Australian NBL One few monts ago
Gerald Blackshear (6'9''-F-1997, played in 2015-19) played for Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina A1 Liga last year
Willy Isiani (6'8''-F/C-1997, played in 2018-22) plays for Rustavi in Georgian Superleague
Gerald Liddell (6'8''-F-1999, played in 2022-23) plays for J.Hradec in Czech Republic 1Liga
Alex Tchikou (6'11''-F-2002, played in 2023-25) plays for Levallois Metropolitans BC in French NM1
Paris Bass (6'10''-F/C-1995, played in 2013-23) plays for Al Ahly Tripoli in Libyan D1
Edoardo Del Cadia (6'8''-F-1999, played in 2023-24) plays for Juvi Cremona in Italian Serie A2
Christopher Blake (6'5''-F-1988, played in 2008-12) plays for San Salvador in Salvadorean Liga MB
Jarod Williams (6'3''-PG, played in 2013-17) played for Richmond Ram Chargers in the ABA last year
Jalen Gibson (6'7''-F, played in 2015-16) played for Dearborn Wolfpack in the MBL last year
Buay Koka (7'1''-C-1997, played in 2020-23) played for Potawatomi Fire in the TBL last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Detroit Mercy basketball alumni.
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