Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Hawks alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
Especially interesting is good performance of Xander Rice (32 points), Melik Martin (15 points), and Shavar Reynolds Jr. (11 points).
#1. Xander Rice, a 6'3'' guard who graduated from Monmouth in 2024 and received the All-CAA First Team award that year, is currently playing professionally in Denmark. In a recent game, he led Randers to a convincing 96-78 victory over the third-ranked Svendborg with an outstanding performance. Scoring an impressive 32 points in just 30 minutes, Rice was named the MVP of the game, showcasing his exceptional talent on the court. Despite it being only his second season in professional basketball, Rice's contributions have been pivotal in Randers' success. Currently, Randers Cimbria Basketball is placed fifth in the Places 1-6 group, with Rice playing a crucial role in their lineup. Although his team has one more game left in the Second Stage, Rice's impact has been significant throughout the season. With averages of 17.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, Rice has been a standout player for Randers, proving himself as a true champion with his remarkable performances. As Rice continues to excel in his first year with the team, his skills and leadership on the court have been instrumental in driving Randers towards success. With his remarkable scoring ability and all-around contributions, Rice has established himself as a key player and a formidable force in the Danish BasketLigaen, demonstrating why he is a true champion and a standout finalist in the league.
#2. Melik Martin, a 6'6'' guard/forward who is 26 years old, is a Dragons alumnus from 2022 but previously played for Monmouth University from 2017 to 2021, earning an All-MAAC Third Team award during his time there. He currently plays professionally in Mexico and recently led Frayles de Guasave to a thrilling victory over the eighth-ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas with a score of 112-108 in the Mexican Circuito de Baloncesto de la Costa del Pacifico on Saturday night. During the game, Martin showcased his skills by scoring 15 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and contributing 2 assists in just 25 minutes of play. This standout performance was crucial in securing the win for his team. Frayles de Guasave, with a record of 17-11, currently holds the third spot in the league standings. Throughout the season, Martin has maintained solid statistics, averaging 14.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His consistent contributions on both ends of the court have been instrumental in his team's success.
#3. Shavar Reynolds Jr., a 6'2'' point guard who graduated from Monmouth in 2022 and received the All-MAAC Third Team award that year, currently plays professionally in the United Kingdom. In a recent British Super League Basketball game, Reynolds Jr. showcased his skills by leading the London Lions to a dominant 81-60 victory over the Sharks. This victory was crucial as it helped maintain the Lions' top position in the league standings, with an impressive record of 24-6. Reynolds Jr. was named the MVP of the game after scoring 11 points in just 15 minutes of play. His performance was instrumental in securing the Lions' ninth consecutive win, highlighting his impact on the team since joining them for his first season. The game against the Sharks was a highly anticipated matchup between two top 4 ranked teams, further emphasizing the significance of Reynolds Jr.'s standout performance. With only two games remaining in the Regular Season, each match is pivotal for the Lions as they aim to maintain their momentum heading into the playoffs. Reynolds Jr.'s solid statistics this season, averaging 11.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, reflect his consistent contribution to the team's success. His ability to step up in crucial moments and deliver on both ends of the court has undoubtedly been a key factor in the Lions' impressive run.
#4. Deion Hammond, a 6'4'' guard and 26-year-old Hawks alumnus from 2021 who received the All-MAAC First Team award that year, is currently playing professionally in the United Kingdom. In a recent game, he led the Newcastle Eagles to a thrilling 103-94 victory over the closely-ranked Scorchers with a strong performance. Hammond contributed 17 points in just 25 minutes of play, showcasing his skills as a champion player. The Newcastle Eagles, currently placed eighth in the league with a record of 12-18, have only two games remaining in the Regular Season, making each upcoming game crucial for their playoff hopes. This season marks Hammond's first with the team, and his impact has been significant. Against the Surrey Scorchers, he not only scored 17 points but also secured 1 rebound and provided 1 assist, playing a pivotal role in securing the win. Throughout the season, Hammond has maintained solid statistics, averaging 11.3 points per game, 2.9 rebounds per game, 1.1 assists per game, and 1.4 steals per game. His consistent performance on the court has been instrumental in showcasing his abilities as a finalist player and contributing to his team's success.
#5. Austin Tilghman, a 6'1'' guard who graduated from Monmouth in 2018 and currently plays professionally in Israel, recently showcased his skills in a game against Ashkelon. He contributed significantly to Hapoel Eilat's impressive 84-70 victory over the sixth-ranked Ashkelon in the Israeli National League. Tilghman's performance was pivotal in securing the win for his team, as he scored 6 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and delivered 8 assists during the game, demonstrating his prowess on the court. Hapoel Eilat currently leads the league with a record of 26-1, marking their 22nd consecutive victory. With only three games remaining in the Regular Season, each game becomes crucial for the team's standings. This season, Tilghman has been a standout player, averaging 12.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.1 assists (ranking fourth in the league), and 2.1 steals (leading the league). His remarkable performance against Ashkelon further solidifies his impact on the team as they strive to secure their position as the champion in the league.
#6. Slovenian Klemen Vuga, a 6'9'' forward/center and Golden Lions alum from 2025, previously playing for Monmouth between 2020 and 2024, showcased his talent in Bulgaria but was unable to lead Shumen (3-25) to victory in their recent game against Balkan. Despite Vuga's notable effort, Shumen, currently at the bottom of the rankings, suffered a significant 84-65 defeat at home to the second-ranked Balkan team. During the game, Vuga displayed his versatility and skill by achieving a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, along with contributing 4 assists in 29 minutes of play. Despite his impressive performance, Shumen ultimately fell short against Balkan. Throughout the season, Vuga has been averaging 5.8 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating his consistent contribution to the team despite the challenges they have faced.
#7. Braedan Allen, a 6'8'' forward who graduated from Monmouth in 2024 and currently plays professionally in the TBL, played a pivotal role in leading DC Heat to a 131-124 victory against the Misfits in The Basketball League on Sunday night. In the game, he showcased his skills as a champion by scoring 15 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and providing 3 assists during his 31 minutes on the court. Allen's impressive performance not only contributed to his team's win but also highlighted his abilities as a finalist in the league. Throughout the season, Allen has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His consistent performance demonstrates his value as a standout player in the league. Additionally, Allen's background as a former Eurobasket Summer League player further underscores his talent and ambition in pursuing opportunities to play basketball internationally.
Other former Monmouth University players, who play in pro basketball:
Maximilian DiLeo (6'1''-SG-1993, played in 2010-15) played for EWE Baskets Oldenburg in German BBL few monts ago
George Papas (6'5''-G-1998, played in 2017-22) plays for Maroussi in Greek GBL
Chris Brady (6'10''-C-1995, played in 2013-17) plays for Atleticos de San German in Puerto Rican BSN
Jakari Spence (6'0''-PG-2001, played in 2021-24) plays for Rotterdam in Dutch DBL
Justin Robinson (5'7''-PG-1995, played in 2013-17) plays for Roseto in Italian Serie A2
Corey Hallett (6'11''-C-1984, played in 2002-07) played for Raiffeisen Mattersburg Rocks in Austrian 2.Bundesliga last year
Pierre Sarr (6'8''-PF, played in 2015-19) played for Binghamton Bulldogs in the ABA last year
Mustapha Traore (6'8''-F-1995, played in 2016-20) played for New York Phoenix in the TBL last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Monmouth University basketball alumni.
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