Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Golden Gophers players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Alanna Micheaux, a 6'2'' forward who recently graduated from Minnesota in 2023 and received the All-Big Ten Honorable Mention award, is currently playing professionally in Spain. In a recent game, she led Joventut to a resounding 101-71 victory over Valencia Basket Club's second team, who were winless with a 0-2 record in the Spanish Liga Femenina Challenge, the second division league. This game took place last Wednesday, where Micheaux's stellar performance earned her the MVP title. Despite it being her first game of the season for Joventut, Micheaux made a significant impact by scoring 19 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in just 16 minutes of play. Her exceptional contributions were instrumental in securing the victory for her team, who now stands in fifth place in the league standings. However, as it is still early in the season, the standings are subject to change as anything can happen in the remaining matches. Micheaux's standout performance against Valencia showcased her skill and talent on the court, highlighting her as a key player for Joventut in their quest to become the champion of the league.
#2. Isabelle Gradwell, standing at 6'1" and playing as a guard/forward, is a 26-year-old athlete who previously represented the Golden Gophers in 2023. That year, she played a pivotal role in helping them secure the title of Paraguayan Metropolitan League Champion. Currently, she is showcasing her skills in Romania as a professional player. In a recent game, Gradwell's team, Cluj Napoca, faced off against Sf.Gheorghe in the Romanian Liga Nationala. Despite her best efforts, Cluj Napoca fell short against Sf.Gheorghe, with a final score of 74-45 in favor of the higher-ranked opponent (#3). Gradwell put up a valiant effort, scoring 4 points, pulling down 9 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists during her 37 minutes on the court. This marked Gradwell's first season with Cluj Napoca. Although Cluj Napoca did not emerge victorious in this particular game, Gradwell has been delivering solid performances individually throughout the season. She has been averaging an impressive 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in the two matches she has played thus far. Her contributions on the court reflect her commitment and skill as a professional player, despite the outcome of the game against Sf.Gheorghe.
#3. Amaya Battle, a 5'11'' guard who graduated from Minnesota in 2026 and received the All-Big Ten Third Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Italy. In her debut game for Broni this season, she faced off against the formidable San Giovanni team, ranked #6 in the league. Despite Battle's commendable performance of scoring 10 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and providing 2 assists in 34 minutes of play, Broni suffered a crushing 94-71 defeat on the road. It was a challenging match where her individual efforts were not enough to secure a victory for her team.
#4. Australian Jessie Edwards, a 6'3'' center and 30-year-old Golden Gophers alumna from 2018, who currently plays professionally in Spain, showcased her skills by leading Melilla to a 63-57 victory over closely-ranked Logrono (1-1) in the Spanish Liga Femenina Challenge (second division) last Sunday. In her debut game for Melilla this season, Edwards put on a remarkable performance, scoring 18 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists in just 29 minutes on the court. Her exceptional contribution earned her the title of MVP of the game. This victory propelled Melilla to the champion position, further solidifying Edwards' impact as a key player for her team. Despite Melilla's current seventh-place standing in the league, Edwards' outstanding display against Logrono undoubtedly played a significant role in securing the win for her team.
#5. Spanish champion Irene Garrido, a 6'1'' forward aged 29, who graduated from Minnesota in 2019 and currently plays professionally in Spain, made her debut for Picken Claret in the Spanish Liga Femenina 2. Unfortunately, her team, Picken Claret, was unable to secure a victory against Segle XXI, the #4 ranked team, in a tightly contested match that ended in a 72-69 defeat in Barcelona. Despite her efforts, Irene Garrido only managed to score 4 points in her 30 minutes on the court. Along with her scoring contribution, she also added 1 rebound and 2 assists to her stat line, displaying a commendable performance in her first game of the season. Despite her individual efforts, Picken Claret, currently in 12th place with a 0-1 record, fell short against the higher-ranked Segle XXI in Group B of the league.
Other former University of Minnesota players, who play in pro basketball:
Kenisha Bell (5'9''-G-1994, played in 2015-15) played for Young Angels in Slovakian Extraliga
Kadiatou Sissoko (6'2''-F-1999, played in 2019-22) played for Canberra Capitals in Australian WNBL
Amanda Zahui (6'5''-C-1993, played in 2012-12) played for Sodertalje in Swedish Damligan
Rachel Banham (5'10''-PG-1993, played in 2012-16) plays for Chicago Sky in the WNBA
Finau Tonga (6'1''-F, played in 2025-26) plays for San Francisco Riptide in the WPBA
Shae Kelley (6'1''-F-1991, played in 2014-15) plays for Cangrejeras de Santurce in Puerto Rican BSNF
Masha Adashchyk (5'11''-SG-1998, played in 2019-20) played for Metallurg MGN in Russian Superleague
Janay Sanders (5'11''-G-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Charlotte Crown in the UpShot
Brylee Glenn (5'10''-G, played in 2025-26) plays for Team Florence in the Eurobasket S.League
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Minnesota basketball alumni.
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