Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Tigers alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
Notice impressive performance of Jeremiah Martin (13 points), Damaria Franklin (19 points), and Teafale Lenard Jr. (16 points).
#1. Jeremiah Martin, a 6'3'' point guard who graduated from Memphis in 2019, has been making a name for himself playing professionally in Russia. His recent standout performance for Lokomotiv in the VTB United League showcased his talent and skill on the court. In a crucial game against Zenit, Martin's contributions were pivotal in securing an important victory for his team. Scoring 13 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists in just 24 minutes of play, Martin proved to be a key player in the closely contested match. This victory marked Lokomotiv's third consecutive win, highlighting their strong form in the league. Currently ranked fourth in the standings, Lokomotiv Kuban's success can be attributed in part to Martin's consistent performances throughout the season. With impressive season averages of 13.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in the 42 games he has played so far, Martin has established himself as a vital player for his team. His exceptional skills and determination on the court have not gone unnoticed, as he continues to excel and lead his team to success. Martin's contributions and leadership were instrumental in clinching the victory against Zenit, further solidifying his position as a champion.
#2. Damaria Franklin, a 26-year-old guard standing at 6'3" and an alumnus of the Tigers from 2023, has been making waves in the Rwandan basketball scene as a pro player. His recent stellar performance led the Patriots to a decisive 100-85 victory over the Tigers in a highly anticipated match-up in the Rwanda Basketball League. Franklin's impressive stat line of 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in 38 minutes showcased his skill and impact on the court, especially considering he is only in his third season of professional basketball. This game between the Patriots and the Tigers, both top 4 ranked teams, was a highlight of the season, with Franklin shining as a key player for his team. The Patriots, with an 11-3 record, secured their eighth consecutive win, solidifying their second-place standing in the league as the Regular Season came to a close. Franklin's outstanding performance not only helped his team emerge victorious but also further established his reputation as a champion in the league. His remarkable season averages of 24.3 points per game (the second best in the league), 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 steals in 13 games highlight his individual excellence and contribution to the Patriots' success. With such impressive stats and on-court leadership, Franklin continues to prove himself as a standout player and a force to be reckoned with in the league.
#3. Teafale Lenard Jr., a 6'8'' forward who recently graduated from Memphis in 2024 and currently plays professionally in Rwanda, showcased his outstanding talent by leading APR to a decisive 103-84 victory over the fifth-ranked UGB in a thrilling derby game in the Rwandan Rwanda Basketball League on Sunday night. Lenard Jr. was named the MVP of the game for his remarkable performance. Despite it only being his second season in professional basketball, Lenard Jr. displayed his versatility on the court by recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, along with an impressive 5 blocks, all in just 31 minutes of play. His contributions were crucial in securing the win for APR Basketball Club Kigali, who now sit comfortably at the top of the league standings with an 11-1 record. This victory marked APR's 11th consecutive win, highlighting their dominance in the league as they head into the final stages of the competition. With the Regular Season already concluded, Lenard Jr.'s exceptional performance further solidified his reputation as a standout player in the league. Throughout the season, Lenard Jr. has maintained strong statistics, averaging 12.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 3.1 steals per game over seven matchups. His consistent contributions have been instrumental in his team's success, ultimately leading them to emerge as the champions of the game against UGB and showcasing his potential as a future basketball star.
#4. Tyrese Hunter, a 5'9'' point guard and 22-year-old Tigers alumni from 2025, was instrumental in helping his team secure the AAC Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently playing professionally in Canada, Hunter recently suited up for the Brampton Honey Badgers but unfortunately couldn't lead them to a victory in their last game against the Surge, despite his commendable performance. In that match, where Brampton, ranked #2, was narrowly defeated 102-99 on the road, Hunter contributed 12 points and 3 assists in just 20 minutes of play. This defeat marked the Brampton Honey Badgers' third consecutive loss, but Hunter's individual efforts have not gone unnoticed. His solid showing against Calgary, where he notched 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists, showcased his skills on the court even though his team fell short of securing the win. Throughout this season, Hunter has maintained relatively good statistics, averaging 10.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game across 11 appearances. His consistent contributions demonstrate his value as a key player for his team.
#5. Experienced Trahson Burrell, a 6'7'' forward/guard who is 33 years old and a graduate of Memphis in 2016, showcased his skills while playing professionally in Mexico. Despite his efforts to lead Angeles de Ciudad de Mexico (20-20) to victory against the dominant Astros (38-2) in the Mexican Circuito de Baloncesto de la Costa del Pacifico, his team fell short in a disappointing 96-76 defeat in Guadalajara. In the game, Burrell displayed his talent by scoring 9 points, pulling down 5 rebounds, and distributing 5 assists in 37 minutes of play. His performance was noteworthy, especially considering the tough competition posed by the Astros. Throughout the season, Burrell has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 16.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game over the course of 38 games. Despite the challenges faced by Angeles de Ciudad de Mexico, Burrell's consistent contributions have been a highlight of the team's campaign in the league.
Other former University of Memphis players, who play in pro basketball:
Tarik Black (6'9''-C-1991, played in 2000-13) played for LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA few monts ago
Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu (6'10''-C-1999, played in 2022-23) plays for BAXI Manresa in Spanish Liga Endesa
Malcolm Dandridge (6'9''-C-2001, played in 2019-24) plays for King Szczecin in Polish OBL
Precious Achiuwa (6'9''-SF-1999, played in 2019-20) plays for Sacramento Kings in the NBA
David Jones-Garcia (6'6''-F-2001, played in 2023-24) plays for San Antonio Spurs in the NBA
Nae'Qwan Tomlin (6'8''-F-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA
Josh Minott (6'9''-F-2002, played in 2021-22) plays for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Jalen Duren (6'10''-F/C-2003, played in 2021-22) plays for Detroit Pistons in the NBA
Moussa Cisse (7'0''-C-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Dallas Mavericks in the NBA
James Wiseman (7'1''-C-2001, played in 2019-20) plays for Indiana Pacers in the NBA
DJ Stephens (6'5''-F/G-1990, played in 2009-13) plays for Casademont Zaragoza in Spanish Liga Endesa
DeAndre Williams (6'9''-F/C-1996, played in 2020-23) plays for Urban Latti Kiryat Ata in Israeli Winner League
Jordan Brown (6'11''-F-1999, played in 2023-24) plays for Kaposvari in Hungarian A Division
Raynere Thornton (6'7''-F-1997, played in 2017-19) plays for Slovan in Slovakian Tipos SBL
Ricky Tarrant (6'2''-PG-1993, played in 2015-16) plays for Al Sadd in Qatari QBL
Michael Dixon (6'1''-G-1990, played in 2013-14) plays for Club Africain in Tunisian ProA
Will Barton (6'6''-SG-1991, played in 2010-12) played for Atleticos de San German in Puerto Rican BSN last year
Kendric Davis (6'0''-PG-1999, played in 2023-23) plays for Osos de Manati in Puerto Rican BSN
Jayden Hardaway (6'5''-G-1999, played in 2018-24) plays for Stockton Kings in the NBA G League
Nick Jourdain (6'9''-F-2001, played in 2023-25) plays for Westchester Knicks in the NBA G League
Lester Quinones (6'5''-G-2000, played in 2019-22) plays for Qingdao Eagles in Chinese CBA
Elijah McCadden (6'4''-G-1999, played in 2023-23) plays for MZT Skopje in North Macedonian Super League
Calvin Godfrey (6'9''-F-1990, played in 2014-15) plays for ES Sahel in Tunisian ProA
Kareem Brewton Jr. (6'3''-G-1995, played in 2018-19) plays for H.Kralove in Czech Republic NBL
Chris Crawford (6'4''-G-1992, played in 2010-14) plays for JCA in Ivorian National 1
Alex Lomax (6'0''-PG-2000, played in 2018-23) plays for Sigal Prishtina in Kosovan Superliga
Colby Rogers (6'3''-G-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for Zamora in Spanish Primera FEB
Sam Ojo Ayomide (6'11''-C, played in 2021-22) played for Castellaneta in Italian Serie B Interregionale last year
Mike Parks Jr. (6'9''-C-1997, played in 2018-19) played for Albany Patroons in the TBL last year
Jaykwon Walton (6'7''-G-2001, played in 2023-24) plays for Birmingham Squadron in the NBA G League
Robert Dozier (6'9''-F-1985, played in 2005-09) played for The Nawf in the The Basketball Tournament last year
Shawn Taggart (6'10''-F-1985, played in 2005-06) played for Team 901 in the The Basketball Tournament last year
Jimario Rivers (6'8''-F-1995, played in 2016-18) plays for 4 Bears Roar in the TBL
Tyreek Smith (6'8''-F/C-2000, played in 2024-25) plays for Seattle Super Hawks in the USBL
Adonis Thomas (6'6''-F-1993, played in 2011-13) plays for NSA in Lebanese DLBL
Caleb Mills (6'5''-G, played in 2023-24) plays for Birmingham Squadron in the NBA G League
Jahvon Quinerly (6'1''-G-1998, played in 2023-24) plays for Shanghai in Chinese NBL
Isaiah Maurice (6'10''-F-1996) plays for North Carolina Coyotes in the ECBL
Dain Dainja (6'9''-C-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Edmonton Stingers in CEBL
Kyvon Davenport (6'8''-F-1997, played in 2017-19) plays for South China in Hong Kong D1
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Memphis basketball alumni.
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