Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC We bring you last week's top former Tigers players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
Especially interesting is good performance of Jared Harper (26 points), Bryce Brown (30 points), and Chuma Okeke (2 points).
#1. Jared Harper, a 28-year-old point guard standing at 5'10'' who graduated from Auburn in 2019 after helping them clinch the SEC Tournament, currently showcases his skills as a professional player in Israel. Recently, he led Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem to a thrilling victory over the sixth-ranked H. Gilboa Galil with a remarkable performance in the Israeli Winner League. In this game, Harper truly shined as he scored an impressive 26 points in just 28 minutes of play, showcasing his incredible talent on the court. Notably, he also excelled in playmaking by contributing 8 assists, displaying his versatility and skill as a player. Additionally, Harper's perfect 15-for-15 free throw shooting further underscored his exceptional performance, earning him the well-deserved title of MVP of the game. Despite the tough competition, Harper's stellar performance proved instrumental in guiding his team to success and solidifying his status as a true champion. Currently, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem holds the third position in the Places 1-8 group, thanks in part to Harper's consistent contributions and leadership on the court. Individually, Harper continues to impress throughout the season, boasting high statistics that reflect his talent and impact on the game. With an average of 18.2 points per game, ranking third best in the league, along with 3.0 rebounds per game and 6.8 assists per game, which is the second best in the league, Harper continues to demonstrate his prowess and determination as a standout player in the Israeli Winner League.
#2. Bryce Brown, a 28-year-old guard standing at 6'3'' and an alum of Tigers from 2019, currently showcases his skills as a professional player in Israel. Recently, he played a pivotal role in leading Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona to a resounding 96-70 victory over the fourth-ranked M. Raanana in the Israeli Winner League. In this game, he displayed exceptional talent and determination, earning the title of MVP with an impressive performance. Brown's remarkable contribution included scoring an astounding 30 points, along with 3 assists and 3 steals, during his 31 minutes on the court. This stellar performance not only highlighted his individual prowess but also helped his team secure a significant win, positioning them as the champion of the game. Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona, with a current record of 9-17, holds the top spot in the Places 11-14 group, largely due to Brown's standout performances. Despite it being his first season with the team, Brown has proven to be a key player, consistently delivering excellent results. Throughout the season, Brown has maintained impressive averages of 16.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, further solidifying his reputation as a finalist to watch in the league. His dedication, skill, and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset to his team, showcasing why he is indeed a champion in the making.
#3. Chuma Okeke, a 6'8'' forward who graduated from Auburn in 2019 after helping them become champions of the SEC Tournament, currently plays professionally in Spain. Recently, Okeke was unable to assist Real Madrid (26-8) in overcoming BAXI Manresa (16-18) in the Spanish Liga Endesa. Despite his efforts, Okeke only managed to score 2 points in 16 minutes of play, making it a challenging game for him. Real Madrid, the league leader, suffered a surprising 94-87 defeat at the hands of BAXI Manresa, a team ranked significantly lower at #10. This loss marked Real Madrid's fifth consecutive defeat, highlighting the tough period they are going through. With only one more game left in the Regular Season, every match is crucial for Okeke and his team. Although Okeke's individual performance against Manresa included 2 points and 1 rebound, it was not enough to secure a victory for his team. Throughout the season, Okeke has been averaging 6.7 points per game and 3.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his contributions to the team despite the recent challenges they have faced.
#4. Nigerian basketball player Babatunde Akingbola, a 6'10'' center and 26-year-old Colonials alum from 2024, previously playing at Auburn from 2019 to 2023, now showcases his skills as a professional athlete in the Dominican Republic. In a recent game, Akingbola played a crucial role for the Indios de San Francisco team, helping them secure a victory against the sixth-ranked Caneros with a score of 85-81 in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto. During the game, Akingbola demonstrated his prowess on the court by contributing 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 27 minutes of play. His performance was instrumental in guiding Indios de San Francisco to success, highlighting his capabilities as a true champion. The team currently holds the fifth position in the Places 1-6 group, with a record of 13-4, as the Second Stage of the competition has already concluded. Throughout the season, Akingbola has maintained impressive averages of 4.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, making him a standout player and the league's leader in blocks. Originally from Nigeria, Akingbola's naturalized talent and dedication to the sport have undoubtedly contributed to his team's success, solidifying his position as a formidable finalist in the world of basketball.
#5. Jaylin Williams, a 6'8'' forward who graduated from Auburn in 2024 and was instrumental in their SEC Tournament victory that year, currently plays professionally in Canada. Recently, he made a significant impact in a game where the Saskatchewan Mamba secured a narrow 100-98 victory over the Sea Bears. Williams showcased his versatility by scoring 8 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and providing 5 assists during the game, which lasted 32 minutes. Despite the Saskatchewan Mamba's somewhat lackluster 2-4 record this season, it is important to note that it is still early in the season, leaving room for improvement and potential turnarounds. In a standout performance against Winnipeg, Jaylin Williams demonstrated his skills once again, leading his team to victory and earning the title of the champion of the game. Throughout the season, Williams has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.8 blocks per game (ranked fourth in the league), and 1.2 steals per game. With his consistent contributions and impressive performances, Jaylin Williams is proving to be a key player for the Saskatchewan Mamba as they strive for success in the league.
Other former Auburn University players, who play in pro basketball:
Austin Wiley (6'11''-C-1999, played in 2016-17) plays for Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in Israeli Winner League
JT Thor (6'9''-F-2001, played in 2020-21) plays for Reggio Emilia in Italian Serie A
Denver Jones (6'4''-G-2000, played in 2023-25) plays for Bnei Hertzeliya in Israeli Winner League
Wendell Green Jr. (5'11''-PG-2002, played in 2023-23) plays for Ilirija in Slovenian Liga OTP banka
Isaac Okoro (6'6''-SG-2001, played in 2019-20) plays for Chicago Bulls in the NBA
Johni Broome (6'10''-F/C-2002, played in 2022-25) plays for Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA
Walker Kessler (7'0''-C-2001, played in 2021-22) plays for Utah Jazz in the NBA
Dylan Cardwell (6'11''-C-2001, played in 2020-25) plays for Sacramento Kings in the NBA
Miles Kelly (6'6''-G-2003, played in 2024-25) plays for Dallas Mavericks in the NBA
Sharife Cooper (6'1''-G-2001, played in 2020-21) plays for Washington Wizards in the NBA
Chaney Johnson (6'7''-F-2002, played in 2023-25) plays for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Jabari Smith II Jr. (6'10''-F-2003, played in 2021-22) plays for Houston Rockets in the NBA
Lior Berman (6'4''-G-2001, played in 2019-24) plays for M.Rishon in Israeli Winner League
Allen Flanigan (6'6''-G-2001, played in 2019-23) plays for FC Porto in Portuguese Liga Betclic
Horace Spencer (6'9''-C-1997, played in 2015-19) played for Ostioneros de Guaymas in Mexican CIBACOPA few monts ago
Kenny Gabriel (6'9''-F-1989, played in 2009-12) plays for Valcea in Romanian Liga Nationala
JP Pegues (6'2''-G, played in 2024-25) plays for Rigas Zelli in Latvian LBL
Danjel Purifoy (6'7''-F-1995, played in 2015-15) plays for Atenas in Argentinian La Liga
Jalen Harper (6'1''-G-2000, played in 2022-24) plays for M.Haifa in Israeli National League
Chris Moore (6'6''-F-2001, played in 2020-25) played for Leotar in Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I last year
K.D. Johnson (6'0''-PG-2001, played in 2021-24) plays for Keila Coolbet in Estonian KML
Antabia Waller (6'3''-G-1988, played in 2006-10) played for Kumanovo MK in North Macedonian Super League last year
Tyler Harris (6'10''-C-1993, played in 2015-16) plays for Al Rayyan in Qatari QBL
Jordon Granger (6'8''-F-1993, played in 2012-16) plays for Georgia Knights in the MBL
J'Von McCormick (6'0''-PG-1997, played in 2018-20) plays for Rahoveci in Kosovan Superliga
LaRon Smith (6'9''-F-1993, played in 2016-17) plays for Palma Fibwi in Spanish Primera FEB
Zep Jasper (6'0''-PG-1997, played in 2023-23) played for Reading Rockets in British BCB last year
Quan Prowell (6'8''-F, played in 2004-08) plays for Carolina Crusaders in the ECBL
Malik Dunbar (6'5''-F-1996, played in 2017-19) plays for Charlotte Blue Jackets in the ECBL
Adrian Forbes (6'10''-C-1988, played in 2010-12) played for Llaneros in Venezuelan SPB last year
Ja'Heim Hudson (6'7''-F-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for CD Espanol Osorno in Chilean LNB
Ben Njie (6'4''-F-1984, played in 2019-23) plays for Georgia Panthers in the United Cup
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Auburn University basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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