Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC We bring you last week's top former Anteaters players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Collin Welp, a 6'9'' small forward who graduated from UC Irvine in 2022 and received the All-Big West First Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Germany. In a recent game, he showcased his skills by leading SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels to a convincing 89-72 victory over the 12th-ranked ratiopharm Ulm. Despite playing just 17 minutes, Welp contributed significantly with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. This stellar performance played a crucial role in securing the win for his team, solidifying his reputation as a true champion. SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels, with a record of 2-2, currently holds the seventh position in the league standings. It's still early in the season, and there is plenty of room for changes and surprises. Welp's consistent performance this season, averaging 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in the four games he has played so far, highlights his valuable contribution to the team as they strive for success.
#2. British champion Luke Nelson, a 31-year-old guard standing at 6'3'' and an Anteaters alumnus from 2017, who received the All-Big West Player of the Year award that year, showcased his skills in a recent game for Manchester Basketball. Despite his notable performance, Manchester suffered a 72-79 defeat on the road against the second-ranked Chalon/Saor. Nelson, the second-highest scorer of the game with 16 points, also contributed 4 assists in 29 minutes of play. This game marked his debut for Manchester Basketball this season. Despite his impressive performance against Chalon/Saone, where he scored 16 points, secured 1 rebound, and provided 4 assists, his team could not secure the victory.
#3. Ethiopian Eyassu Worku, a 27-year-old guard standing at 6'2'' who graduated from UC Irvine in 2020 after helping them secure the Big West Regular Season Champion title, currently plays professionally in Germany. In a recent match, Worku's team Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn unfortunately fell short in a close 84-81 loss to Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, who held the higher rank of #10. Despite the defeat, Worku displayed a strong performance, finishing as the second-highest scorer with 18 points. He also contributed 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals during his 31 minutes on the court. Worku showcased his skills effectively, demonstrating his versatility as a player. Despite his impressive individual efforts, Paderborn was unable to secure the victory. Throughout the season, Worku has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 18.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists (the second-highest in the league), and 1.7 steals per game across three matches. His consistent high-level performance highlights his value to the team. It is worth noting that Worku is a naturalized American, adding a unique aspect to his professional basketball career in Germany.
#4. German champion Bent Leuchten, a 7'1'' center and 23-year-old Anteaters alumnus from 2025, who received the All-Big West First Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Germany. He recently contributed to Rostock Seawolves' 91-84 victory over the 15th-ranked Hamburg Towers (1-3) in a German easyCredit BBL game on Saturday night. Despite scoring just 4 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in 11 minutes, Leuchten's impact was significant in the team's success. Rostock Seawolves, with a record of 2-2, currently holds the 11th spot in the league standings. Throughout the season, Leuchten has been averaging 7.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in the four games played. His performance against Hamburg demonstrated his ability to contribute effectively to his team's success, showcasing the qualities of a true champion and finalist.
#5. Jaron Martin, a 31-year-old point guard standing at 5'10'' who graduated from UC Irvine in 2017 after helping them secure the Big West Regular Season Champion title, currently plays professionally in Mexico. In a recent game in the Mexican Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional, second division, he played a crucial role in Panteras de Aguascalientes' narrow 77-76 victory over the tenth-ranked Diablos. Despite only scoring 8 points in 21 minutes on the court, his contribution was instrumental in securing the win for his team. Panteras de Aguascalientes, with a record of 19-9, currently holds the third position in the league standings after the conclusion of the Regular Season. Martin's performance against the Diablos, where he scored 8 points and grabbed 3 rebounds, highlighted his capabilities as a champion player. Throughout the season, he has maintained solid statistics, averaging 11.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game over 19 appearances. Martin's consistent performance and leadership qualities have undoubtedly been valuable assets for Panteras de Aguascalientes as they strive for success in the league.
#6. Turkish player Berk Can Akin, a 6'4'' point guard at 21 years old and an Anteaters alumni from the class of 2025, currently competes professionally in Turkey. In a recent match against Bigbank/Kalev, Can Akin, a finalist of the Eurobasket.com All-FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B Second Team award, unfortunately couldn't lead his team, Glint Korfez Basket Kocaeli, to victory. This game, played on a Wednesday, didn't showcase one of his best performances as he only managed to score 2 points in 11 minutes of play. It was his first appearance for Glint Korfez Basket Kocaeli this season, which ended in a 78-86 loss for his team. The champion, despite the defeat, displayed his skills by contributing 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist against Bigbank/Kalev. Despite his commendable efforts, Glint Korfez Basket Kocaeli fell short of securing the win in the match.
#7. Dean Keeler, a 25-year-old center standing at 6'11'' who graduated from UC Irvine in 2024 after helping them become the Big West Regular Season Champion that year, currently plays professionally in Romania. In a recent game for CS Municipal Targu Mures in the Romanian Liga Nationala Baschet de Masculin, Keeler made his debut and contributed to a crucial victory against Timisoara, one of the league's weaker teams. Despite only scoring 3 points in 8 minutes on the court, Keeler's presence was felt as he also managed to grab 1 rebound and provide 1 assist. His modest yet impactful performance played a part in Targu Mures' 78-72 win, marking his first game of the season and helping his team secure the victory and advance as the finalist.
#8. Thomas Rutherford, a 6'9'' center and 29-year-old Anteaters alumnus from 2020, was instrumental in helping them secure the Big West Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently playing professionally in Germany, he recently faced a tough matchup against the Gladiators while representing MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, his team suffered a defeat with a final score of 80-94. Rutherford's performance in the game was not one of his best, as he only managed to score 2 points and grab 4 rebounds in 14 minutes of play. In a subsequent game against Trier, Rutherford once again showcased his skills on the court by contributing 2 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. However, his individual performance was not enough to lead his team to victory. Despite these challenges, Rutherford has been maintaining solid averages this year, with 9.3 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game across four games played.
Other former University of California - Irvine players, who play in pro basketball:
Justin Hohn (6'2''-G, played in 2019-25) played for Kavkasia in Georgian Superleague
Isaiah Lee (6'2''-G-2000, played in 2019-22) plays for Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in Australian NBL One
Ioannis Dimakopoulos (7'2''-C-1994, played in 2013-17) plays for East Perth Eagles in Australian NBL One
Jonathan Galloway (6'10''-C-1996, played in 2014-14) plays for Tigers in Rwandan RBL
Patrick Rembert (6'1''-PG-1990, played in 2007-11) plays for City Oilers in Ugandan NBL
Ofure Ujadughele (6'4''-G-2000, played in 2019-25) plays for Maktown in Nigerian PBL
JC Butler (6'5''-F-2000, played in 2024-25) plays for Maktown in Nigerian PBL
Pierre Crockrell II (6'0''-PG-2000, played in 2022-24) played for Memphis Hustle in the NBA G League
Will Davis II (6'8''-F-1992, played in 2011-15) plays for Lehigh Valley Flight in the TBL
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of California - Irvine basketball alumni.
|
|
|
Ex-Players
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
