POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
EuroBasket Pro Red Hawks Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
We bring you last week's top former Red Hawks players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Emmanuel Wembi, a 6'9'' center who graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne in 2019 and previously played at Catawba Valley between 2015 and 2017, is currently playing professionally in Spain. In a recent game, he played a crucial role in helping Hestia Menorca secure a dominant 102-72 victory over Melilla, who are struggling in the league with a 7-25 record. Despite only scoring 2 points and contributing 4 assists in 12 minutes of play, Wembi's presence on the court was instrumental in his team's success.
Hestia Menorca, with a record of 17-15, currently holds the eighth position in the league standings. With only three games remaining in the Regular Season, each upcoming match is of utmost importance as teams vie for playoff spots.
This season marks Wembi's debut with Hestia Menorca, and his performance against Melilla showcased his ability to impact games beyond scoring. With averages of 6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in the 32 games he has played so far this season, Wembi has been a consistent contributor to his team's success.
Originally hailing from Congo, Wembi's versatility on the court and dedication to his team make him a valuable asset as Hestia Menorca aims to finish the season strong and compete for the championship title.
#2. Cole Johnson, a 6'4'' guard/forward and 25-year-old Trojans alumnus from 2023, made a significant impact in the Lebanon Leprechauns' recent victory against the Hamilton County Huskers. Despite only being in his third season of professional basketball, Johnson showcased his skills by contributing 20 points and 7 rebounds in just 24 minutes of play. This standout performance highlighted his potential as a champion.
Playing professionally in the TBL, Johnson has been a key player for the Lebanon Leprechauns, who currently hold a somewhat modest 16-4 record this season. With only four games remaining in the regular season, each upcoming match is crucial for the team's playoff aspirations.
Johnson's impressive statistics this season include averaging 8.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game over 20 games. His journey to the professional ranks was supported by his participation in the Eurobasket Summer League, which played a vital role in securing his position in the world of pro basketball.
#3. Victor Tshiona, a 6'8'' forward who graduated from Thomas University in 2022, previously played for Catawba Valley between 2017 and 2019 before turning pro in the ECBL. In a thrilling match on Saturday night, Tshiona played a pivotal role in leading Kingdom Life Basketball Club to a narrow 112-110 victory against the Carolina Crusaders. Despite the Carolina Crusaders' 5-6 record, Tshiona's performance shined as he contributed 5 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and provided 1 assist. His remarkable display on the court was instrumental in securing the win for his team, ultimately emerging as the champion. This season, Tshiona has maintained an average of 6.5 points per game and 9.0 rebounds per game across eight games, showcasing his consistency and value to the team.
Other former Catawba Valley College players, who play in pro basketball:
Tony Hauser (6'8''-PF-2000, played in 2019-21) plays for Limerick Celtics in Irish Super League
Jahleer Black (6'4''-F, played in 2018-20) played for Kingdom Life Basketball Club in the ECBL few monts ago
Alex Lineberger (6'1''-G, played in 2017-19) played for Hickory Hoyas in the ECBL last year
Isayah Johnson (6'7''-C-1998, played in 2017-19) plays for PrimeTime Players in the ECBL
Jeremiah Keith (6'5''-G, played in 2018-20) plays for Kingdom Life Basketball Club in the ECBL
Jakari Dula (6'3''-SF, played in 2023-24) played for Hickory Hoyas in the ECBL last year
Matthew Powell (6'1''-G-1997, played in 2015-17) played for PrimeTime Players in the ECBL last year
Evan Presnell (6'0''-SG, played in 2022-24) played for Hickory Hoyas in the ECBL last year
Donovan Evans (5'9''-G) plays for North Carolina Coyotes in the ECBL
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Catawba Valley College basketball alumni.
Emmanuel Wembi is last week best Red Hawks alumni, who plays professional basketball (Photo: @bcventspils)
