Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC We bring you last week's top former Mountaineers players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Experienced champion Devin Ebanks, a 6'9'' forward who is 36 years old and graduated from WVU in 2010 after helping them secure the Big East Tournament title that year, currently plays professionally in Lebanon. In a recent game, despite his outstanding performance, Ebanks could not prevent Beirut Club (10-12) from suffering a heavy 96-73 defeat in a crucial match against the leading team, Al Riyadi. Ebanks, the standout player of the game, showcased his skills by scoring 25 points and grabbing 4 rebounds during his 38 minutes on the court. Unfortunately, Beirut Club faced their fourth consecutive loss, bringing an end to their Regular Season campaign. Throughout the season, Ebanks has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in the three matches he has participated in so far. His dedication and strong performances have been notable, despite the challenges faced by his team.
#2. Gary Browne, a 6'1'' guard and 33-year-old alum of the Mountaineers from 2015, showcased his skills in a thrilling Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional game on Saturday night. Playing professionally in Puerto Rico, Browne led the Vaqueros de Bayamon to a narrow 98-95 victory over the sixth-ranked Osos with an impressive performance. He contributed 18 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals in 36 minutes of play, proving instrumental in his team's success. Currently, Vaqueros de Bayamon holds the top spot in Group B, thanks in part to Browne's leadership on the court. This victory marked their third consecutive win, highlighting the team's strong form. In another recent game against Manati, Browne again stood out with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists, leading his team to triumph and earning him the title of the champion of the game. Throughout the season, Browne has maintained solid statistics, averaging 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 7.6 assists (ranking fourth in the league), and 1.5 steals per game in the 21 games he has played so far. Noteworthy is the fact that Browne holds both American and Puerto Rican citizenship, allowing him to play in Puerto Rico as a domestic player, further enriching his impact on the league.
#3. Jaysean Paige, a 6'2'' shooting guard who graduated from WVU in 2016 and received the All-Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year award that year, currently plays professionally in Puerto Rico. In a recent game, he was a key contributor to Mets de Guaynabo's victory over the third-ranked Gigantes with a final score of 94-90. Paige displayed his skills on the court by recording 21 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks in 38 minutes of play. Mets de Guaynabo, currently placed fourth in Group B with a record of 12-11, benefitted greatly from Paige's performance against Carolina, where he scored 21 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and provided 7 assists to help secure another win. His consistent high-level play exemplifies his status as a finalist. Throughout the season, Paige has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 15.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game over the course of 22 games. It is noteworthy that Paige holds both American and Puerto Rican citizenship, allowing him to compete in Puerto Rico as a domestic player.
#4. Devin Williams, a 32-year-old 6'9'' center and Mountaineers alumnus from 2016, currently plays professionally in Puerto Rico. He recently received the USBWA All-District II Team award in 2016. Williams is a teammate of the aforementioned Jaysean Paige and plays for Mets de Guaynabo in the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional league. In a recent game, Williams led Mets de Guaynabo to a 91-85 victory over the fourth-ranked Indios with an impressive performance. He scored 17 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists in just 27 minutes of play. This stellar display of skill and determination solidified his position as a champion on the court. Currently, Mets de Guaynabo holds the fourth position in Group B with a record of 12-11. Williams' contributions have been significant this season, with him averaging 11.5 points, 9.3 rebounds (ranking fourth best in the league), and 1.3 assists per game over 22 appearances. His consistent performance and strong statistics underscore his value as a key player in the team's quest for success.
#5. Dutch Jesse Edwards, a 26-year-old center standing at 6'11'' who graduated from WVU in 2024 and received the NABC Reese's Division I College All-Star Game award that year, currently plays professionally in Spain. In a recent Spanish Liga Endesa game on Wednesday night, Edwards played a crucial role in helping Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz secure a notable victory over the league leader Real Madrid with a score of 88-83. Despite only scoring 2 points in 6 minutes on the court, his contribution was significant. The matchup was highly anticipated as it involved two of the top 4 ranked teams in the league, with Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (25-9) currently holding the second position. The win marked the team's sixth consecutive victory, showcasing their strong form as they head towards the end of the Regular Season with only three games remaining. Every game now holds critical importance for the team. Against Real Madrid, Edwards not only scored 2 points but also grabbed 2 rebounds and made 1 assist, playing a key role in his team's triumph. His overall performance was instrumental in leading Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz to victory over their formidable opponent and ultimately emerging as the finalist. Throughout the season, Edwards has been averaging 4.3 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game in the 14 games he has played so far.
#6. Quinn Slazinski, a 6'9'' forward and 25-year-old alum of Mountaineers from 2024, showcased his exceptional skills as he led the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles to a decisive 74-60 victory over the 12th-ranked Hornets in the Australian NBL One second division game on Saturday night. As the MVP of the game, Slazinski delivered a stellar performance, securing a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds in 34 minutes of play. His standout display against the Hills Hornets included not only his impressive scoring and rebounding but also 2 assists, proving instrumental in guiding his team to success. Recognized for his outstanding performance, Slazinski was awarded the Triple-Double Badge by eurobasket.com, further cementing his reputation as a true champion on the court. Throughout the season, Slazinski has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 23.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game across 12 games. His consistent contributions have undoubtedly played a significant role in his team's success, making him a formidable force in the league as he continues to excel as a finalist.
#7. Brandon Watkins, a 6'10'' center who graduated from WVU in 2017, played a crucial role in helping his team reach the final of the Big 12 Tournament that year. Currently, he is a professional player in the TBL. In a recent game against the Willamette Valley Jaguars, his team secured a resounding victory with a score of 156-79. Despite playing for only 12 minutes, Watkins managed to contribute 9 points and grab 2 rebounds against the Willamette VJ team. His stellar performance not only showcased his skills but also demonstrated his determination as a champion player. Throughout this year, Watkins has maintained solid averages of 5.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in the 17 games he has played. It is also noteworthy that Watkins participated in the Eurobasket Summer League, an experience that played a vital role in securing his position in professional basketball.
Other former West Virginia University players, who play in pro basketball:
Pauly Paulicap (6'8''-F-1997, played in 2021-22) plays for BAXI Manresa in Spanish Liga Endesa
Teyvon Myers (6'2''-G-1994, played in 2015-17) plays for Split in Croatian Premijer Liga
Toby Okani (6'8''-G-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA
Javon Small (6'3''-G-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA
Jevon Carter (6'2''-PG-1995, played in 2014-18) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Miles McBride (6'2''-G-2000, played in 2019-21) plays for New York Knicks in the NBA
Mukremin Kilicli (6'9''-F/C-1990, played in 2009-10) plays for Mersin Spor in Turkish BSL
Sagaba Konate (6'8''-C-1997, played in 2016-19) plays for Zastal BC Zielona Gora in Polish OBL
Tarik Phillip (6'3''-G-1993, played in 2014-17) plays for London Lions in British SLB
RaeQuan Battle (6'5''-G-2001, played in 2023-24) plays for Cremona in Italian Serie A
Erik Stevenson (6'4''-G-1999, played in 2023-23) plays for Glint Manisa Basket in Turkish BSL
Gabe Osabuohien (6'8''-F-1998, played in 2019-22) plays for Manchester Basketball in British SLB
Omar Silverio (6'3''-G-1998, played in 2023-23) plays for Estudiantes in Spanish Primera FEB
Esa Ahmad (6'8''-F-1996, played in 2015-19) played for Pardubice in Czech Republic NBL few monts ago
Nathan Adrian (6'9''-PF-1995, played in 2013-17) played for Kobe Storks in Japanese B2 League last year
Jermaine Haley Jr. (6'7''-G-1997, played in 2018-21) played for Santos de San Luis Potosi in Mexican LNBP last year
Sean McNeil (6'4''-G-1998, played in 2019-22) plays for Cleveland Charge in the NBA G League
Emmitt Matthews Jr. (6'7''-F-1999, played in 2024-24) played for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League last year
Eduardo Andre (6'10''-C-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for Prievidza in Slovakian Tipos SBL
Taz Sherman (6'5''-PG-1999, played in 2019-22) plays for Sopron KC in Hungarian A Division
Derek Culver (6'10''-C-1998, played in 2018-21) plays for Jahorina in Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I
Kedrian Johnson (6'3''-1999, played in 2020-23) plays for Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders in British SLB
Kevin Jones (6'8''-F-1989, played in 2008-12) plays for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League
Logan Routt (6'11''-F-1997, played in 2015-20) plays for Peja in Kosovan Superliga
Malik Curry (6'1''-G-1999, played in 2021-22) plays for Al Rayyan in Qatari QBL
Remi Dibo (6'7''-F-1991, played in 2013-14) plays for Poissy in French NM1
John Flowers (6'7''-PF-1989, played in 2007-11) played for Best Virginia - West Virginia Alumni in the The Basketball Tournament last year
Deniz Kilicli (6'9''-C-1990, played in 2009-13) plays for Cayirova in Turkish TBL
Jonathan Holton (6'9''-F-1991, played in 2013-13) played for New York Phoenix in the TBL last year
JD Collins (6'4''-F-1983, played in 2002-06) played for Kingdom Life Basketball Club in the ECBL last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of West Virginia University basketball alumni.
|
|
|
Ex-Players
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
