Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Bulldogs players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Nigerian Derek Ogbeide, a 6'9'' forward/center at 29 years old, who graduated from Georgia in 2019 and currently plays professionally in Italy, showcased his talent leading his Italian team Reggio Emilia to a decisive 82-65 victory over the closely-ranked Pardubice (0-1) in the Basketball Champions League on Tuesday night. In an impressive debut for Reggio Emilia this season, Ogbeide contributed 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 20 minutes of play. This game, featuring two top 4 ranked teams, highlighted his team's dominance as they currently hold the top position in the league standings. Ogbeide's impactful performance against Pardubice, where he not only scored 13 points and secured 5 rebounds but also provided 1 assist, proved vital in securing the win for his team. His exceptional skills and contributions on the court exemplified his qualities as a true champion, further solidifying his reputation as a standout player. This marks Ogbeide's first season with Reggio Emilia, and his strong start indicates a promising future with the team. Additionally, as a naturalized Nigerian, Ogbeide's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes looking to make their mark in the world of basketball.
#2. Rayshaun Hammonds, a former Bulldogs alumnus who stands tall at 6'9'' and plays professionally in South Korea, showcased his skills for Wonju DB in their recent game. Despite his commendable efforts, the team faced a tough 96-92 defeat at home against the formidable Sakers, who hold the #3 ranking. As the top scorer of the game, Hammonds demonstrated his prowess with an impressive 27 points and 8 rebounds in just 24 minutes on the court. Although the loss was disappointing, it is important to note that the season is still in its early stages, and there is ample opportunity for turnaround. In another standout performance against LG Sakers, Hammonds once again proved his worth by contributing 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Despite his remarkable individual achievements, the team was unable to secure a victory. Hammonds is having a standout season, boasting impressive averages of 20.0 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 3.0 assists per game. With his consistent high-level performance, he remains a key player for Wonju DB as they strive for success in the league.
#3. Dakota Leffew, a 6'5'' guard at 25 years old who graduated from Georgia in 2025 and currently plays professionally in Belgium, made his debut for Oostende in their recent game against Okapi Aalst. Despite his notable performance, where he scored 13 points, grabbed 1 rebound, and provided 5 assists in 25 minutes of play, Oostende suffered a 95-87 defeat on the road against the second-ranked Aalst team. This marked Leffew's first appearance for Oostende this season, as he joined the team for the first time this year. Despite his impressive contributions, Oostende was unable to secure the victory in this match.
#4. Justin Bailey, a 6'3'' guard and 22-year-old Bulldogs alumni from 2026, showcased his talent during his first game for Esgueira in Portugal. Despite his remarkable performance, where he scored 22 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, and made 4 steals, Esgueira suffered a disappointing 84-64 defeat on their home court against the higher-ranked Povoa (#5). Bailey's excellent contribution, including making all nine of his free throws, was not enough to secure a victory for his team in the matchup. This game marked Bailey's debut for Esgueira this season, as he aims to make a significant impact in his first year with the team.
#5. JJ Frazier Jr, a 5'10'' point guard who graduated from Georgia in 2017 and received the USBWA All-District IV Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Azerbaijan. In a recent game, Frazier Jr couldn't lead the Lions to victory as they suffered a 105-83 defeat on their home court in Baku against the second-ranked Geneve. Despite the loss, Frazier Jr stood out as the top scorer of the game with 22 points, along with contributing 8 rebounds and 4 assists during his 36 minutes on the court. This game marked his first appearance for the Lions this season. Frazier Jr showcased an impressive performance against Geneve, displaying his scoring prowess, rebounding ability, and playmaking skills. However, his individual efforts were not enough to secure the win for his team.
#6. Jordan Harris, a 29-year-old 6'5'' guard and Bulldogs alumni from 2020, showcased an impressive performance in leading Montecatini to a significant 81-72 victory over the closely-ranked Sassari in the Italian Serie A2 on Sunday night. Harris, who currently plays professionally in Italy, was named the MVP of the game after scoring 16 points and making 3 steals in 31 minutes of play. In a standout display against Sassari, Harris not only scored 16 points but also contributed 3 rebounds and 2 assists, playing a pivotal role in securing the win for his team. His exceptional skills on the court were instrumental in guiding his team to triumph as the champion.. Throughout the season, Harris has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game, ranking him as the fourth-best in the league in steals. His consistent performance and leadership have undoubtedly been key factors in Montecatini's success, culminating in their victory as the champion.
#7. Noah Thomasson, a 6'3'' guard who graduated from Georgia in 2024 and now plays professionally in Germany, recently faced a tough challenge when his team, Veolia Towers Hamburg, competed against the Seawolves. Despite his efforts, Thomasson and his team were unable to secure the victory, ultimately falling short with a final score of 91-84. In the game, Thomasson struggled to make a significant impact, recording only 3 points in 19 minutes of play. While he managed to contribute 1 rebound and 1 assist against Rostock in a previous game, his individual performance was not enough to lead his team to success. Although Thomasson may not view Saturday's game as one of his best, his season averages of 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game demonstrate his consistent contribution to Veolia Towers Hamburg. As he continues to strive for excellence on the court, Thomasson remains determined to elevate his game and help his team succeed against formidable opponents like the Seawolves.
#8. Mike Edwards, a 6'9'' center and Bulldogs alumni from 2019, showcased his basketball prowess on Saturday night by leading Yamaguch Pats Five to a 78-71 victory against Shinagawa, one of the league's weaker teams in the Japanese B.Next League. In an impressive showing, Edwards achieved a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in just 25 minutes of play. His remarkable performance, which also included 1 assist, was instrumental in securing the win for his team, solidifying his status as a true champion on the court. Throughout the season, Edwards has maintained solid statistics, averaging 11.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, further establishing himself as a standout finalist in the league.
#9. In a thrilling match on Saturday night in the Colombian Liga de Baloncesto Profesional, Braelen Bridges, a 27-year-old center standing at 6'11'' who graduated from Georgia in 2023 and now plays professionally in Colombia, emerged as the standout player for the Paisas. Facing off against the third-ranked Sabios, Bridges played a pivotal role in his team's resounding 84-63 victory. Putting on a masterclass performance, Bridges showcased his exceptional skills by recording a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in just 24 minutes of play. His remarkable display on the court not only propelled Paisas to a convincing win over Sabios but also earned Bridges the prestigious Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com, underscoring his dominance as a champion. Throughout the season, Bridges has consistently delivered strong performances, averaging 10.7 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game, making him the third-best in the league in rebounding. His impressive statistics and impactful contributions have solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the league, demonstrating his prowess as a finalist.
Other former University of Georgia players, who play in pro basketball:
Anthony Edwards (6'5''-G-2001, played in 2019-20) plays for Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA
Asa Newell (6'1''-F-2005, played in 2024-25) signed for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (6'5''-G-1993, played in 2011-13) signed for Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA
Nicolas Claxton (6'11''-F/C-1999, played in 2017-19) signed for Chicago Bulls in the NBA
Nemanja Djurisic (6'8''-PF-1992, played in 2011-15) plays for SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels in German BBL
Mardrez McBride (6'2''-G, played in 2022-23) plays for Cimarrones del Choco in Colombian LBP
Tyree Crump (6'1''-G-1997, played in 2016-20) played for Al Shamal in Qatari QBL
Gerald Robinson (6'1''-G-1989, played in 2009-09) played for Cantu in Italian Serie A
Savo Drezgic (6'4''-G-2006, played in 2024-25) played for Mega BG in Serbian KLS
Yante Maten (6'7''-F-1996, played in 2014-18) played for San-en NeoPhoenix in Japanese B.Premier League
Terrance Woodbury (6'8''-G-1987, played in 2005-09) played for Fukuoka Rizing in Japanese B.One League
Terry Roberts (6'3''-G-2000, played in 2023-24) signed for Caledonia Gladiators in British SLB
Aaron Cook (6'2''-G-1997, played in 2021-22) plays for Taranaki Airs in New Zealand NBL
Tyrin Lawrence (6'4''-G-2000, played in 2024-25) signed for Lucenec in Slovakian Tipos SBL
Trey Thompkins (6'10''-F-1990, played in 2008-11) plays for Formosa Dreamers in Taiwanese TPBL
David Ugonna Ike (7'0''-C/F-2007, played in 2026-27) plays for Rivers Royal Hoopers in Nigerian PBL
Travis Leslie (6'4''-F/G-1990, played in 2008-11) played for Inowroclaw in Polish 1Liga
Jabri Abdur-Rahim (6'8''-G-2002, played in 2021-24) played for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Summer League
Russell Tchewa (7'0''-C-2000, played in 2023-24) played for Shanghai in Chinese NBL
John Florveus (6'11''-C-1990, played in 2009-13) plays for Purple Reign - Kansas State in the The Basketball Tournament
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Georgia basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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