Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC We bring you last week's top former Wolverines players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Brandon Johns Jr., a 6'8'' forward who is 26 years old and a graduate of VCU in 2023, previously played for Michigan from 2018 to 2022 before starting his professional career in Portugal. In a recent game, despite his commendable performance, he was unable to assist Sporting (17-5) in securing a victory. Sporting suffered a 94-86 defeat on the road against FC Porto (#3). Johns Jr. showcased his talent by scoring 17 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and contributing 1 assist in 33 minutes of play. Throughout the season, Johns Jr. has maintained solid statistics, averaging 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Despite his individual achievements, his team fell short in the match against FC Porto.
#2. D.J. Wilson, a 30-year-old forward standing at 6'10'' and an alumnus of the Wolverines from 2017, is currently playing professionally in Puerto Rico. Despite his efforts, the champion Cangrejeros de Santurce (11-13) could not secure a victory in their recent game last Wednesday. Wilson, a finalist in the Big Ten Tournament in 2017, displayed a solid performance by contributing 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 32 minutes of gameplay. However, the fifth-placed Santurce team ultimately suffered a 90-85 defeat to the lower-ranked Piratas (#6) in Group B. Throughout the season, Wilson has been maintaining an average of 10.0 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and 3.0 assists per game. Despite his consistent performances, his team's recent loss highlights the competitive nature of the league in Puerto Rico.
#3. Derrick Walton Jr., a 6'1'' guard who graduated from Michigan in 2017 and received the All-Big Ten All-Tournament MVP award that year, currently plays professional basketball in Puerto Rico. Recently, he played for Capitanes de Arecibo but unfortunately could not lead his team to victory against Piratas in the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional. Despite his solid performance of 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists in 29 minutes, Capitanes de Arecibo was defeated 88-82 by Piratas, who are ranked lower in Group A. Even though Walton Jr. showcased his skills with 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists against Quebradillas, his team ultimately lost the game. His individual stats for the season are notable, averaging 12.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. Despite the setbacks, Walton Jr. continues to demonstrate his talent and contribution to his team's performance in the league.
#4. Eli Brooks, a 6'1'' guard and 27-year-old Wolverine alumnus from the class of 2022, who received an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention award that year, currently plays professionally in Spain. Recently, he played a crucial role in helping BAXI Manresa secure a remarkable 94-87 victory over the league-leading Real Madrid (26-8) in the Spanish Liga Endesa on a Friday night. Despite only scoring 2 points and contributing 4 assists in 18 minutes of play, Brooks made a significant impact on the game. BAXI Manresa, currently placed tenth in the league with a record of 16-18, achieved their fourth consecutive victory, showcasing their strong form as the Regular Season came to a close. In the game against Real Madrid, Brooks not only scored 2 points but also grabbed 1 rebound and dished out 4 assists, playing a vital role in his team's triumph and ultimately helping them be crowned the champion of the match. Throughout this season, Brooks has maintained solid averages of 8.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, highlighting his versatility and skill on the court. It is worth noting that Eli Brooks is a naturalized Irish player, adding to the diversity and talent he brings to the basketball court.
#5. Will Tschetter, a 6'8'' forward and 23-year-old Michigan graduate from the class of 2026, played a pivotal role in helping his team secure the NCAA Champion title that year. Currently, he is showcasing his talent as a professional player in Australia, where he plays for the Warwick Senators in the Australian NBL One, the second division league. In a recent game, Tschetter led his team to a significant 104-96 victory over the 12th-ranked Magic with an outstanding performance that earned him the title of MVP. During the game, Tschetter displayed his skills by scoring 21 points and providing 3 assists in just 31 minutes of play. This remarkable display of talent is even more impressive considering it is only his first season in professional basketball. The Warwick Senators, currently placed tenth in the West group, greatly benefit from Tschetter's contributions on the court. In another notable game against Mandurah M., Tschetter once again made a significant impact by scoring 21 points, securing 3 rebounds, and assisting in 3 plays, ultimately helping his team emerge victorious. His consistent high-level performance throughout the season has been instrumental in his team's success, and he continues to shine as a champion player. Individually, Tschetter is having an exceptional season, boasting impressive statistics with an average of 28.0 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, 1.7 assists per game, and 1.1 steals per game. His all-around game and leadership qualities make him a standout player in the league.
#6. Experienced point guard Trey Burke, a 33-year-old standout from the University of Michigan class of 2013, showcased his skills on the court in a recent game in the Mexican Circuito de Baloncesto de la Costa del Pacifico. Playing for Astros de Jalisco, Burke led his team to a thrilling 105-103 victory over the seventh-ranked Caballeros de Culiacan. Burke's performance was remarkable as he contributed 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 9 assists during the intense matchup. His strategic gameplay and impressive statistics played a crucial role in securing the narrow 2-point win for Astros de Jalisco. With 3 steals to his name as well, Burke's defensive prowess added to his overall impact on the game, ultimately earning him the title of champion of the matchup. Throughout the season, Burke has maintained a high level of performance, averaging 17.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His consistent contributions and leadership on the court have undoubtedly been instrumental in Astros de Jalisco's success, making him a key player in their quest for victory.
Other former University of Michigan players, who play in pro basketball:
Ignas Brazdeikis (6'7''-G/F-1999, played in 2018-19) plays for Zalgiris in Lithuanian LKL
DeVante Jones (6'0''-PG-1998, played in 2021-22) plays for Dolomiti Energia Trentino in Italian Serie A
Tray Jackson (6'10''-F-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Beirut Club in Lebanese DLBL
Danny Wolf (7'0''-F-2004, played in 2024-25) plays for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Tim Hardaway Jr. (6'5''-G-1992, played in 2010-13) plays for Denver Nuggets in the NBA
Isaiah Livers (6'7''-PF-1998, played in 2017-21) plays for Phoenix Suns in the NBA
Caris LeVert (6'7''-G-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Detroit Pistons in the NBA
Vladislav Goldin (7'1''-C-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for Miami Heat in the NBA
Moussa Diabate (6'10''-F-2002, played in 2021-22) plays for Charlotte Hornets in the NBA
Jordan Poole (6'4''-SG-1999, played in 2017-19) plays for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA
Caleb Houstan (6'8''-G-2003, played in 2022-22) plays for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
Duncan Robinson (6'8''-F-1994, played in 2014-14) plays for Detroit Pistons in the NBA
Moritz Wagner (6'11''-F/C-1997, played in 2015-18) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Franz Wagner (6'10''-F-2001, played in 2019-21) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Jett Howard (6'7''-G-2003) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Kobe Bufkin (6'4''-G-2003, played in 2021-23) plays for Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA
Mike Smith (5'11''-PG-1997, played in 2020-21) plays for Bursaspor Basketbol in Turkish BSL
Chaundee Brown Jr. (6'5''-G-1998, played in 2020-21) plays for London Lions in British SLB
Olivier Nkamhoua (6'8''-F-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Itelyum Varese in Italian Serie A
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (6'5''-G-1994, played in 2014-18) plays for Treviso in Italian Serie A
Zak Irvin (6'6''-G/F-1994, played in 2013-17) plays for Manchester Basketball in British SLB
Jordan Morgan (6'9''-C-1991, played in 2009-14) played for Suwon KT Sonicboom in South Korean KBL few monts ago
Joey Baker (6'7''-G/F-2000, played in 2022-23) plays for Borac ZM in Serbian KLS
Glenn Robinson III (6'6''-F-1994, played in 2012-14) plays for Al Sharjah in UAE ULB
Zavier Simpson (6'0''-PG-1997, played in 2016-20) plays for Ningbo Rockets in Chinese CBA
Rubin Jones (6'5''-G, played in 2024-25) plays for Slavia in Czech Republic NBL
Charles Matthews (6'6''-G/F-1996, played in 2016-16) plays for Al Wehdat in Jordanian Premier League
Manny Harris (6'6''-SG-1989, played in 2007-10) played for Al Riyadi in Lebanese DLBL last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Michigan basketball alumni.
|
|
|
Ex-Players
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
