Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Bulldogs alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. D.J. Stewart Jr., a 6'6'' small forward who graduated from MSU in 2021 and was part of the championship-winning team at the California Classic NBA Summer League in Sacramento that year, is currently playing professionally in Spain for Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. In a recent game against Valencia, despite his strong performance of scoring 14 points and contributing 4 assists in just 23 minutes, Baskonia suffered a heavy defeat with a scoreline of 111-88. It is worth noting that this is just the beginning of the season, and there is still plenty of time for the team to improve their performance. This is Stewart Jr.'s debut season with the team, and he has shown promise with an average of 11.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in the two games he has played so far. Stewart Jr., a naturalized American player, demonstrated his skills on the court against Valencia, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Despite the loss, his individual performance was noteworthy, indicating his potential to be a key player for Baskonia as the season progresses.
#2. Ja'Borri McGhee, a 6'2'' guard and Bulldogs alum from 2026, showcased his remarkable basketball skills in a recent game in the Czech Republic Maxa NBL. Playing professionally in the Czech Republic for SLUNETA Usti nad Labem, McGhee led his team to a decisive 86-76 victory over the closely-ranked Opava. Despite facing tough competition, McGhee's stellar performance earned him the title of MVP of the game. In just his first season in professional basketball, McGhee delivered an impressive stat line of 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals in 29 minutes of play. This outstanding performance highlights McGhee's potential as a champion player. Currently, SLUNETA Usti nad Labem holds a solid sixth position in the league, thanks in part to McGhee's contributions on the court. With this win, his team secured a third consecutive victory, further solidifying their position in the league standings. Throughout the season, McGhee has consistently demonstrated his talent and skill, averaging an impressive 21.8 points per game, making him the league's top scorer, along with 6.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.5 steals per game, also leading the league in steals. McGhee's exceptional performance and remarkable statistics reflect his dedication and prowess as a finalist player in the Czech Republic Maxa NBL.
#3. Panamanian player Iverson Molinar, a 6'4'' guard who is 26 years old and a graduate of MSU in 2022, currently plays professionally in Montenegro. In a recent BKT Eurocup game, Molinar proved to be a key player for Buducnost as they faced off against the seventh-ranked WKS Slask. The team emerged victorious with a dominating 99-75 win over their opponents. Molinar showcased his skills by contributing 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 21 minutes of play, marking his debut game for Buducnost this season. With his stellar performance, Molinar demonstrated why he is a true champion on the court, leading his team to success. Currently, his team holds the top spot in the league standings, with Molinar's impressive display highlighting his impact as a key player for Buducnost, further solidifying his status as a finalist.
#4. Tyson Carter, a 6'4'' guard and 28-year-old Bulldogs alumni from the class of 2020, who was honored with the All-SEC Sixth Man of the Year award during his college career, currently plays professionally in Serbia. In a recent game, Carter, despite his commendable performance, was unable to guide his team, Crvena zvezda, to victory. The team suffered a narrow 81-80 defeat at home against the much higher-ranked (#6) Hapoel Tel-Aviv. Carter showcased his skills by scoring 12 points and providing 3 assists in just 20 minutes of play. Despite his noteworthy efforts against Hapoel Tel-Aviv, where he contributed 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists, Carter's team fell short of securing the win. In the ongoing season, Carter is maintaining an average of 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game across three games.
#5. D.J. Jeffries, a 6'7'' forward who graduated from MSU in 2024 and currently plays professionally in Finland, recently made his debut for Vilpas in their latest game. Despite his very good performance, the bottom-ranked Vilpas team was narrowly defeated 107-104 on their home court in Salo by the leading Honka. In his first game of the season, Jeffries showcased his skills by scoring 16 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and adding 2 assists in 28 minutes of play. This performance was particularly impressive given that Jeffries is only in his third season of professional basketball. Despite Jeffries' contributions, Vilpas was unable to secure the victory against the formidable Honka team.
#6. Garrison Brooks, a 6'10'' center and 27-year-old Bulldogs alumni from 2022, currently playing professionally in Japan, made a significant impact in the recent game for the Saitama Broncos. In a decisive victory against the league-leading United team with a score of 85-71, Brooks showcased his skills by contributing 17 points and securing 7 rebounds in just 27 minutes of play. Not only did Brooks demonstrate his scoring ability and dominance on the boards, but he also displayed his playmaking skills by distributing 2 assists during the game. His stellar performance was instrumental in guiding his team to a victory over Tokyo United, ultimately leading them to claim the championship title. Throughout the season, Brooks has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game across two games. His consistent contributions on both ends of the court have undoubtedly played a crucial role in the success of the Saitama Broncos, solidifying his position as a standout player and a key figure in their quest for further accomplishments in the league.
#7. Experienced Bulgarian point guard Dee Bost, standing at 6'3'' and 36 years old, who graduated from Mississippi State University in 2012 and received the All-SEC First Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Iceland. In a recent game, Bost played a crucial role in Tindastoll's victory over the eighth-ranked Jonava with a score of 77-71 in the European North Basketball League. During the game, Bost showcased his skills by contributing 9 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in 33 minutes of play. His remarkable performance against Jonava, where he scored 9 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and provided 7 assists, was instrumental in leading his team to victory, further solidifying his reputation as a true champion. Bost's impressive statistics this season, averaging 10.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game (ranking third best in the league) over three games, highlight his consistent impact on the court. It is worth noting that Bost, a naturalized American, continues to demonstrate his talent and leadership as he competes at a high level in the European North Basketball League.
#8. Reggie Perry, a 6'10'' forward and 26-year-old Bulldogs alum from 2020, currently plays professionally in Bosnia. In his recent debut game for Bosna, despite his commendable performance, the team suffered a close 75-72 defeat on the road against the formidable Lietkabelis. Perry emerged as the top scorer of the match, contributing 14 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in just 22 minutes of play. Despite his notable efforts, Bosna was unable to clinch the victory. Perry's impressive display on the court showcased his skills, as he not only scored effectively but also made valuable contributions in rebounding and assisting his teammates.
#9. Gavin Ware, a 6'9'' forward/center who is 32 years old and graduated from Mississippi State University in 2016, currently plays professionally in France. In a recent game for Limoges CSP Elite against Chalon/Saor, Ware showcased his skills by scoring 9 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists in just 20 minutes of play. This performance marked his debut game for Limoges CSP Elite this season. Despite his notable contributions, Ware's team fell short against Chalon/Saor, ultimately losing with a final score of 74-82. Ware's efforts on the court were commendable, but unfortunately, they were not enough to secure a victory for his team.
#10. RJ Melendez, a 6'7'' forward and 23-year-old Bulldogs alum from 2025, currently playing professionally in Italy, made his debut for Verona in a challenging game against Tortona. Despite his efforts as a champion player, Melendez was only able to contribute 4 points in 15 minutes of play. This game marked his first appearance for Verona this season. Unfortunately, despite his skills and contribution, his team fell short of victory, losing to Tortona with a final score of 93-101.
Other former Mississippi State University players, who play in pro basketball:
Tolu Smith (6'11''-F-2000, played in 2019-24) plays for Detroit Pistons in the NBA
Jimmy Bell Jr. (6'10''-C-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Tkibuli Orbi in Georgian Superleague
Dashawn Davis (6'2''-G-2000, played in 2022-24) played for Decin in Czech Republic NBL
Tyler Stevenson (6'9''-PF-2002, played in 2022-23) signed for Kolossos in Greek GBL
Claudell Harris Jr. (6'4''-G-2002, played in 2024-25) signed for Hapoel Holon in Israeli Winner League
Quinndary Weatherspoon (6'3''-G-1996, played in 2015-19) plays for Qingdao Eagles in Chinese CBA
Robert Woodard II (6'7''-F-1999, played in 2018-20) played for Platense in Argentinian La Liga
Quincy Ballard (7'0''-C-2001, played in 2025-26) signed for Sabah in Azerbaijani ABL
Aric Holman (6'10''-F/C-1997, played in 2015-19) plays for Formosa Dreamers in Taiwanese TPBL
Fred Thomas (6'5''-F-1993, played in 2012-16) signed for CAB Madeira in Portuguese Liga Betclic
Jalen Johnson (6'6''-F-1997, played in 2020-21) played for Marmande in French NM2
Roquez Johnson (6'7''-F/C-1992, played in 2011-15) played for Lanus in Argentinian La Liga
Travis Daniels (6'8''-F-1992, played in 2014-16) plays for Gambusinos de Fresnillo in Mexican LNBP
Eric Reed Jr. (6'4''-SG-2000, played in 2022-23) signed for Cremona in Italian Serie A2
Piotr Stelmach (6'9''-PF-1984, played in 2003-07) signed for Valletta in Maltese BOV League D1
Lamar Peters (6'0''-PG-1998, played in 2016-19) plays for The Mecca in the The Basketball Tournament
Craig Sword (6'3''-SG-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Team Heartfire in the The Basketball Tournament
Arnett Moultrie (6'10''-C-1990, played in 2008-10) plays for Olimpia Kings in Paraguayan LNB
Cameron Matthews (6'7''-F-2001, played in 2020-25) played for Charlotte Hornets in the NBA Summer League
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Mississippi State University basketball alumni.
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