Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC We bring you last week's top former Golden Flashes players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Puerto Rican Giovanni Santiago, a 6'1'' guard who is 26 years old and a graduate of Kent St. in 2024, made a significant impact in the final of the MAC Tournament that year, helping his team reach the final. Santiago currently plays professionally in Mexico and recently led Abejas de Leon to a victory against the closely-ranked Santos with a score of 92-78 in the Mexican Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional, the second division league. In the game that took place on Saturday night, he showcased his skills by contributing 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists in just 30 minutes of play. Abejas de Leon, with a current record of 9-15, is positioned tenth in the league standings. With only four games remaining until the end of the Regular Season, each game becomes crucial for the team. Santiago's exceptional performance against Santos was instrumental in securing the victory, demonstrating his prowess on the court and playing a vital role in leading his team to success as the champion. Throughout this season, Santiago has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 11.1 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and a league-leading 7.0 assists per game, along with 1.2 steals per game in the 24 games he has participated in so far.
#2. Jalen Sullinger, a 23-year-old point guard standing at 5'10" and an alumni of the Golden Flashes from 2025, is currently playing professionally in Poland. In a recent game, he demonstrated his talent by contributing significantly to a decisive 87-52 victory against GKS, one of the league's weaker teams with a 0-2 record, in the Polish 1 Liga (second division). Sullinger, who earned the MAC All-Tournament Team award in 2025, showcased his skills by scoring 11 points in just 24 minutes of play during his debut game for Lodz this season. Despite this impressive performance, Sullinger's team is currently ranked sixth in the league, indicating that there is still room for improvement as the season progresses. As it is early in the season, the standings are subject to change, and anything can happen in the coming games. Nevertheless, Sullinger's impact was felt immediately as he not only scored 11 points but also secured 2 rebounds and provided 2 assists in a crucial victory against Tychy. His stellar display on the court highlighted his abilities as a champion and hinted at a promising season ahead for the young finalist in his first year with the team.
#3. In his debut game this season for Montecatini, the 23-year-old guard Marquis Barnett, a Kent St. graduate, showcased an impressive performance against Rimini. Despite Montecatini's defeat in the game where they were crushed 84-59 at home by the ninth-ranked Rimini, Barnett emerged as the standout player. He led his team in scoring with 22 points and contributed 6 rebounds in a total of 34 minutes on the court. Barnett's remarkable display on the court, especially considering he is only in his second season of professional basketball, highlights his potential as a rising star in the league. Despite his individual success, Montecatini was unable to secure a victory in the face of a tough opponent like Rimini.
#4. Chris Payton, a 6'8'' forward and 25-year-old Golden Flashes alumnus from 2024, showcased his skills by helping his team reach the final of the MAC Tournament that year. Currently playing professionally in Mexico, Payton is a teammate of the aforementioned Giovanni Santiago, with whom he recently played in the final Mexican Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional game. In a recent match, Payton contributed significantly to Abejas de Leon's victory over the closely-ranked Santos with a score of 92-78. Despite only recording 2 points in 5 minutes on the court, those points proved crucial in securing the win for his team. Payton's impactful performance on the field was key in leading his team to success against their opponents. Throughout the season, Payton has maintained solid statistics, averaging 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in the 10 games he has participated in so far. His consistent contributions have been instrumental in his team's performance this season.
#5. Antonio Williams, a 6'0'' point guard who graduated from Kent St. in 2020 and earned the All-MAC Second Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Germany. In a recent game, he made a significant impact for RheinStars Koeln as they secured a narrow 83-80 victory over the 14th-ranked BG Goettingen in the German BARMER 2. Basketball Bundesliga ProA. Williams contributed 11 points and 3 assists during the game, showcasing his talents on the court in his first appearance for RheinStars Koeln this season. Despite the tough competition, Williams' performance proved crucial in helping his team emerge victorious. With his impressive display of skills and determination, he demonstrated why he is recognized as a champion. Williams' efforts helped his team maintain their seventh position in the league standings.
#6. Justyn Hamilton, a 6'11'' center and 27-year-old former Golden Flashes alumnus from 2022, currently plays professionally in Turkey. In a recent game, despite his commendable performance, he was unable to prevent Fenerbahce 2 from suffering a narrow 75-74 defeat on the road against the lower-ranked (#10) Final Spor. Hamilton showcased his skills by achieving a double-double, contributing 13 points and securing 12 rebounds during his 31 minutes on the court. In the face of adversity, Hamilton displayed exceptional talent and determination against Final Spor, scoring 13 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and providing 1 assist. Despite his remarkable efforts, Fenerbahce 2 did not secure the victory. Eurobasket.com recognized Hamilton's outstanding performance by awarding him the Triple-Double Badge, highlighting his prowess as a true champion on the basketball court. So far this season, Hamilton has maintained solid averages of 10.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game across the two games he has played.
#7. Tervell Beck, a 6'7'' center who graduated from Kent St. in 2022, was instrumental in leading his team to the final of the MAC Tournament that year. Currently playing professionally in Mexico, Beck recently competed for Freseros Irapuato but unfortunately could not guide them to a victory over Panteras. Despite his commendable performance of scoring 7 points and grabbing 1 rebound in 25 minutes of play, his team ultimately fell short with a final score of 87-94. Beck's skills and determination were evident on the court, yet his team was unable to secure the win. In the ongoing season, Beck has been averaging 3.3 points per game and 1.3 rebounds per game in the four games he has participated in so far. His contributions on the court continue to showcase his talent and dedication as he strives to excel in his professional basketball career in Mexico.
Other former Kent State University players, who play in pro basketball:
Cli'Ron Hornbeak (6'9''-C-2003, played in 2021-25) signed for San Lorenzo in Argentinian La Liga
Deon Edwin (6'4''-G-1992, played in 2014-17) signed for Anwil Wloclawek in Polish OBL
Anthony Morales (6'8''-F-2000, played in 2024-25) plays for Piratas de Quebradillas in Puerto Rican BSN
Danny Pippen (6'9''-F-1997, played in 2016-18) signed for U.Atletica in Uruguayan LUB
Chris Ortiz (6'8''-PF-1993, played in 2012-16) plays for Osos de Manati in Puerto Rican BSN
Sincere Carry (6'1''-G-1999, played in 2021-23) signed for AEL in Cypriot ECOMMBX BL
Morgan Safford (6'5''-G-2001, played in 2024-26) signed for Blue Wings in Slovakian Tipos SBL
Miryne Thomas (6'8''-F-1999, played in 2022-23) signed for Valcea in Romanian Liga Nationala
Malique Jacobs (6'3''-G-2000, played in 2023-24) signed for Strumica in North Macedonian Super League
Jimmy Hall (6'8''-PF-1994, played in 2013-13) signed for M.Petah Tikva in Israeli National League
Carlton Guyton (6'3''-G-1990, played in 2010-12) plays for Tabare in Uruguayan Liga de Ascenso
Von Cameron Davis (6'5''-F-2001, played in 2020-25) plays for Brillantes in Venezuelan SPB
Troy Simons (6'3''-SG-1996, played in 2018-18) plays for The Enchantment - New Mexico Alumni in the The Basketball Tournament
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Kent State University basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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