Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Yellow Jackets players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Zoesha Smith, the 24-year-old forward standing at 6'1'' who graduated from Georgia Tech in 2025 and currently plays professionally in Slovakia, unfortunately couldn't turn the tide for Ruzomberok in their recent game. Despite her commendable effort, Ruzomberok suffered a 64-75 defeat on the road against the formidable Avenida, the current leading team in the league. Smith's performance was nothing short of exceptional, as she managed to achieve a double-double by contributing 14 points and grabbing an equal number of rebounds during her 39 minutes on the court. This feat is particularly impressive considering she is only in her second season of professional basketball. In the face of the tough competition posed by Avenida, Smith showcased her skills by scoring 14 points, securing 14 rebounds, and providing 2 assists, highlighting her prowess and versatility as a player. Despite her remarkable individual display, Ruzomberok fell short of clinching the victory in the end. Smith's outstanding performance did not go unnoticed, as she was awarded the prestigious Triple-Double Badge by eurobasket.com, further solidifying her reputation as a champion player in the making.
#2. Italian champion Francesca Pan, a 6'1'' shooting guard who is 29 years old and an alumna of Yellow Jackets from 2020, currently plays professionally in Italy. In a recent Italian Serie A1 game, she led Venezia to a triumphant 81-73 victory over the tenth-ranked Broni, earning the MVP title for her exceptional performance. Pan contributed significantly to the win by scoring 16 points and securing 2 rebounds in just 29 minutes of play. Umana Reyer Venezia, with a current record of 2-0, holds the fourth position in the league standings. Despite the early stage of the season, Pan's stellar play has already made a significant impact on the team's success. This marks Pan's seventh year with Venezia, showcasing her experience and leadership on the court. With an average of 10.0 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game in the two matches she has participated in this season, Pan continues to demonstrate her prowess as a finalist. Her impressive performance against Broni underscores her reputation as a reliable and talented player, essential for Venezia's continued success in the competition.
#3. Experienced champion Sydney Wallace, a 5'9'' guard who is 32 years old and graduated from Georgia Tech in 2015, currently plays professionally in France. She played a significant role in Bourges' recent victory over Lyon, a closely-ranked opponent, in the French La Boulangere Wonderligue last Sunday. Wallace contributed 13 points in 27 minutes of play, helping her team secure a 72-59 win. This win allowed Bourges to maintain its position as the fourth-ranked team in the league, with a current record of 2-1. It is worth noting that this is Wallace's first season with the team. In the game against Lyon, the finalist Wallace not only scored an impressive 13 points but also grabbed 1 rebound, showcasing her skills and contributing to her team's success on the court. Her performance was instrumental in leading Bourges to victory and ultimately securing the championship title for her team. Throughout the season, Wallace has maintained solid statistics, averaging 11.0 points per game and 1.3 assists per game in the three games she has played so far. It is interesting to mention that Wallace is a naturalized British player, bringing a unique perspective and talent to the team as they strive for further success in the league.
#4. Spanish champion Nerea Hermosa, a 6'5'' center and 25-year-old Yellow Jackets alum from the class of 2023, showcased her skills as she made her season debut for Casademont Zaragoza in the EuroLeague. In a thrilling match against Landes, a closely-ranked opponent, Zaragoza secured a narrow 76-75 victory in a game that was described as the highlight of the round, featuring two top 4 ranked teams. Despite scoring only 3 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in her limited 16-minute appearance, Hermosa's contribution was instrumental in her team's success. As Zaragoza clinched the win by just a single point, every play mattered, and Hermosa's presence on the court proved to be crucial. Her experience and skill set undoubtedly played a significant role in guiding her team to victory. This victory not only solidified Zaragoza's position as the finalist in the league but also highlighted Hermosa's value as a key player for the team. Having been with Zaragoza for four years now, Hermosa's familiarity with the team dynamics and her ability to deliver under pressure were evident in this important game. As the Regular Season in the EuroLeague has concluded, this impressive performance sets a positive tone for Zaragoza as they look ahead to the upcoming rounds, with Hermosa poised to continue making significant contributions to the team's quest for success.
#5. In the recent game between Alpo and Milano Stars, Italian champion Antonia Peresson, who stands at 5'9'' and is a 31-year-old graduate of Georgia Tech (2018), showcased her skills on the court. Despite her remarkable performance, the Alpo finalist was unable to lead her team to victory. The fourth-placed Alpo (1-1) was narrowly defeated 71-68 by the second-ranked Stars in Group A. Peresson displayed an impressive double-double during the game, scoring 10 points, dishing out 11 assists, and grabbing 9 rebounds in 38 minutes of play. Her exceptional contributions on the court were evident as she put up a strong performance against the Milano Stars, recording 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists. Despite her outstanding efforts, the Alpo team ultimately fell short in securing the win. Throughout the season, Peresson has maintained high statistics, averaging 17.5 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, 9.5 assists per game (leading the league), and 2.0 steals per game across two games. Her individual performance has been stellar, showcasing her skills as a true champion in the league.
#6. Serbian champion Katarina Vuckovic, a 6'3'' forward who is 32 years old and an alumna of the Yellow Jackets from 2017, showcased her skills in a recent match playing professionally in Israel. She played a key role in Maccabi Bnot Ashdod's 76-69 victory over the closely-ranked M. Haifa in the Israeli Division A Women league last Monday. Despite only scoring 3 points in 11 minutes of play, Vuckovic made a significant impact on the game. She not only contributed offensively but also grabbed 1 rebound and dished out 1 assist against M. Haifa, demonstrating her versatility on the court and ultimately helping her team secure the win. Her performance highlighted her status as a finalist player with a strong competitive spirit. Throughout this season, Vuckovic has been averaging 5.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in the three games played so far. Her consistent contributions and solid all-around play reflect her dedication and skills as a seasoned champion in the world of professional basketball.
#7. Latvian champion Digna Strautmane, a 6'2'' forward who graduated from Georgia Tech in 2022 and received the Australiabasket.com All-Australian NBL1 Defensive Player of the Year award that same year, currently plays professionally in Poland. Recently, she played a key role in helping 1KS Sleza Wroclaw secure a 79-75 victory against the closely-ranked Lublin in the Polish Orlen Basket Liga Kobiet. Despite scoring only 3 points in 15 minutes, her performance was crucial in the team's success. In the game against Lublin, Strautmane displayed her skills by contributing 3 points and 2 rebounds, showcasing her value as a finalist. Her efforts on the court were instrumental in securing the win and advancing her team to the next round. With an impressive average of 2.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game (second best in the league) over four games this year, she continues to demonstrate the qualities of a true champion in her sport.
#8. Latvian Elizabete Bulane, a 23-year-old guard standing at 5'7'' and an alumna of the Yellow Jackets class of 2022, showcased her talent while playing professionally in Germany. In a recent match, she played a pivotal role in the Saarlouis Royals' triumph over the eighth-ranked Freiburg with a scoreline of 70-59 in the German Damen Basketball Bundesliga last Sunday. Bulane's performance was exceptional, scoring 6 points and providing 3 assists during her 25 minutes on the court. Her noteworthy contributions, which included 6 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists, were instrumental in securing the victory, ultimately earning her the title of the game's champion. Throughout the season, Bulane has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.5 points per game and 2.0 assists per game across two matches.
#9. Finnish basketball player Lotta-Maj Lahtinen, standing at 5'9'' and 26 years old, is a Georgia Tech graduate from the class of 2022. In that same year, she received the prestigious CoSIDA NCAA Division I Academic All-District 4 Team award. Currently, she is showcasing her skills playing professionally in Spain. In a recent game, Lahtinen, unfortunately, was unable to lead her team, Araski, to victory against Estudiantes. Despite her valiant efforts, including scoring 6 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and dishing out 1 assist in 29 minutes of play, her team suffered a significant defeat with a final score of 76-45, a margin of 31 points. Lahtinen's performance against Estudiantes was commendable, demonstrating her all-around skills on the court. Even though she contributed 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist, her team fell short of securing the win. Throughout the current season, Lahtinen has been maintaining an average of 6.3 points per game, along with 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game across three matches. Her consistent performance highlights her dedication and talent as a champion player.
#10. Savannah Samuel, standing at an impressive 6'1'' and a 24-year-old guard, is a distinguished Yellow Jackets alumna from the class of 2026 currently showcasing her skills playing professionally in Spain. In a recent game, Samuel, a budding champion, unfortunately couldn't propel Unicaja to victory against Joventut. Despite her valiant efforts, where she contributed 5 points and secured 1 rebound during her 26 minutes on the court, her team faced a defeat with a final score of 66-76. Even though her team couldn't secure the win, Samuel displayed a commendable performance against Joventut. Her consistent play this season is reflected in her average stats of 6.5 points per game, 1.5 rebounds per game, and 1.5 steals per game across two matchups. As a finalist, Samuel continues to showcase her talent and potential as she navigates through the competitive world of professional basketball in Spain.
Other former Georgia Institute of Technology players, who play in pro basketball:
Lorela Cubaj (6'3''-F-1999, played in 2018-22) plays for Venezia in Italian Serie A1
Cameron Swartz (5'11''-G-2000, played in 2022-23) signed for Lodz in Polish OBLK
Kara Dunn (5'11''-G, played in 2022-25) plays for Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA
Sasha Goodlett (6'5''-C-1990, played in 2008-12) signed for Chanson V-M in Japanese WJBL
Brianna Turnage (6'1''-G, played in 2025-26) plays for Los Leones in Chilean LNF
Tonie Morgan (5'9''-G, played in 2022-25) plays for KPA in Kenyan Premier League
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Institute of Technology basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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