EuroBasket Pro 49ers Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Here is the weekly review of the top performing 49ers alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
Notice impressive performance of Casper Ware (19 points), Justin Bibbins (17 points), and Edon Maxhuni (21 points).
#1. Experienced champion Casper Ware, a 5'10'' point guard at 36 years old who graduated from LBSU in 2012 and received the All-Big West All-Tournament MVP award that year, currently plays professionally in Russia. In a recent matchup, Ware led his Russian team CSKA to a decisive victory over the ninth-ranked N.Novgorod with a final score of 108-91 in the VTB United League. Notably, he was named the MVP of the game after contributing 19 points and 3 assists in just 18 minutes of play.
PBC CSKA Moscow, with a record of 35-3, holds the top spot in the league standings, with Ware playing a pivotal role in their success. This win marked his team's eighth consecutive victory, showcasing their dominance in the league. With only two games remaining in the VTB United League Regular Season, each game becomes increasingly crucial as teams jostle for playoff positions.
Having completed his fourth season with the team, Ware's consistent performance has been a key factor in their success this year. His impressive statistics of 12.0 points per game, 1.8 rebounds per game, and 3.1 assists per game over 38 games highlight his valuable contributions on the court. Ware's stellar display against N.Novgorod further cemented his reputation as a champion, demonstrating his ability to deliver when it matters most.
#2. Justin Bibbins, a 30-year-old point guard standing at 5'9" and an alum of the Runnin' Utes from 2018, who also played at LBSU between 2014 and 2017, is currently showcasing his skills in France as a professional player. Despite his noteworthy performance, Bibbins could not assist JDA Dijon Bourgogne in their recent game against Cholet Basket, where his team suffered a crushing defeat with a score of 111-74 on the road. In that game, Bibbins managed to score 17 points and contribute 7 assists in just 27 minutes of play.
This unfortunate loss marked the fifth consecutive defeat for JDA Dijon Bourgogne, emphasizing the critical nature of the remaining three games in the Regular Season. It is worth noting that this is Bibbins' first season with the team, and he has been displaying solid statistics throughout the season, averaging 14.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game in the 11 games he has participated in so far.
Despite his impressive individual performance, Bibbins and his team were unable to secure a victory in the recent game, highlighting the challenges they are facing as they strive to improve their standing in the league.
#3. Finnish champion Edon Maxhuni, a 6'2'' point guard at 28 years old who graduated from LBSU in 2019 and currently plays professionally in France, faced a tough challenge in the recent game for BCM Gravelines Dunkerque (8-19). Despite his outstanding performance, Gravelines suffered a heavy 93-64 defeat at the hands of the higher-ranked (#13) CSP Elite in Limoges.
In the game, Maxhuni showcased his skills by emerging as the top scorer with 21 points while also contributing 5 assists in 31 minutes of play. This marked a commendable effort by Maxhuni, especially considering the strong opposition faced. With only three games remaining in the Regular Season, each upcoming match will be crucial for the team's performance.
This season marks Maxhuni's debut with the team, and he has been delivering relatively good stats throughout the year, averaging 14.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in the 24 games he has participated in so far. Despite the challenging result in the latest game, Maxhuni's consistent performance and contributions demonstrate his value as a key player for Gravelines Dunkerque as they strive towards success in the remaining matches of the season.
#4. Mike Caffey, a 6'0'' point guard and 33-year-old finalist from the 49ers alumni of 2015, currently plays professionally in Romania. Recently, he showcased his skills by leading Voluntari to a thrilling 94-90 victory over the 11th-ranked Targu Mures in the Romanian Liga Nationala Baschet de Masculin. In this game, Caffey demonstrated his prowess on the court by scoring 14 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists in just 24 minutes of play.
CSO Voluntari, with a record of 19-8, holds the third position in the league standings. With only one more game left in the Regular Season, Caffey's performance against Targu Mures was crucial as his team aims for success in the upcoming matches. His consistent contributions throughout the season, averaging 10.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in the 27 games played so far, highlight his value as a key player and a finalist in the league.
#5. Eugene Phelps, a 6'6'' forward who is 36 years old and a graduate of LBSU in 2012, played a crucial role in helping his team to clinch the Big West Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently playing professionally in Japan, Phelps showcased his skills as a standout player for Niigata Albirex in a recent game against Veertien Mie, a team struggling in the league with a record of 7-43. In an impressive display, Niigata Albirex dominated the game with a final score of 84-62, with Phelps contributing significantly by scoring 11 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in just 28 minutes of play.
Niigata Albirex, currently holding the fifth position in the league with a record of 31-19, is gearing up for the remaining two games of the Regular Season. Phelps' exceptional performance against Veertien Mie not only led his team to victory but also earned him recognition with a double-double and the prestigious Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com, further solidifying his reputation as a champion player on the court.
Throughout this season, Phelps has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 13.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assist per game across 47 games. Known for his skills and contributions on the court, Phelps is a naturalized Filipino player making waves in the Japanese B3 League, showcasing his talent and determination as a finalist in every game he plays.
#6. In a dominant display of skill and talent, Temidayo Yussuf, a 6'7'' center and 29-year-old 49ers alumnus from 2019 now playing professionally in Portugal, led Benfica to a resounding victory over the eighth-ranked Braga with a convincing scoreline of 108-77 in the Portuguese Liga Betclic Masculina during Saturday night's game. Yussuf showcased his prowess on the court by contributing 11 points, securing 4 rebounds, and distributing 3 assists in just 15 minutes of play.
His noteworthy performance against Braga not only helped his team emerge victorious but also highlighted his capabilities as a champion player. Yussuf's consistent contributions throughout the game were instrumental in steering Benfica towards success, underscoring his value as a key player for the team. With an impressive season average of 11.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game across 16 games, Yussuf has been a vital asset for Benfica this season.
It is worth noting that Yussuf, a naturalized Nigerian, continues to make significant strides in his professional basketball career, establishing himself as a formidable force on the court and a key player in his team's quest for success.
#7. Austin Johnson, a 6'9'' forward who graduated from LBSU in 2025 and currently plays professionally in the Czech Republic, played a pivotal role in H.Kralove's narrow 86-84 victory over the top-ranked Olomoucko in the Czech Republic Maxa NBL on Saturday night. Johnson delivered a remarkable double-double performance, scoring 19 points and pulling down 11 rebounds in just 25 minutes of play. His exceptional skills were on full display as he not only dominated the court but also contributed 2 assists to help secure the win against Olomoucko. Johnson's outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com, underscoring his reputation as a champion player. So far this season, Johnson boasts an average of 8.3 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game across 21 games, further solidifying his status as a finalist in the league.
#8. Isaiah Washington, a 27-year-old guard standing at 6'1'' and an alumnus of the 49ers from 2021, currently plays professionally in Spain. In a recent match, Washington made a significant impact as his team secured a decisive 107-91 victory over the closely-ranked Lleida in the Spanish Liga Endesa. During the game on Saturday night, Washington showcased his skills as a champion by scoring 7 points and delivering 4 assists in just 19 minutes of play.
Washington's performance was instrumental in helping his team emerge victorious. His contribution on the court highlighted his capabilities as a finalist. Throughout this season, Washington has been maintaining an average of 9.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game over nine matches. It is worth noting that Washington is a naturalized American, further adding to his diverse background and skill set.
#9. Ivorian player Aboubacar Traore, standing at a towering height of 6'5'' and aged 24, is a standout individual in the world of basketball. Graduating from Louisville in 2025, Traore previously honed his skills at LBSU from 2021 to 2024, where he notably received the All-Big West All-Tournament MVP award during his time there. Currently, he is showcasing his talents as a professional player in Spain.
In a recent game, Traore played a pivotal role in La Leonesa's triumph over the 13th-ranked Gijon Circulo with a final score of 85-73 in the Spanish Segunda FEB, which is the third division in Spain. During this game, he exhibited exceptional performance by contributing 15 points and securing 8 rebounds in just 23 minutes of play. His remarkable display of skill and talent on the court highlighted why he is recognized as a champion.
Throughout the current season, Traore has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.5 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, 2.7 assists per game, and 1.3 steals per game across 14 games. His consistent performance and impactful presence on the court further solidify his status as a finalist in the world of basketball.
#10. Colin Slater, a 6'1'' guard and 28-year-old alum of the 49ers from 2022, currently plays professionally in Georgia. In a recent game, despite his best efforts, he couldn't lead Rustavi to victory over Batumi. Slater managed to score 9 points in just 19 minutes of play while also contributing with 1 rebound and 2 assists. Unfortunately, his team narrowly lost the game with a final score of 77-75.
Even though the outcome was not in his favor, Slater showcased an impressive performance on the court. His overall stats for the season are solid, averaging 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game over seven games. His dedication and skills make him a formidable player, aiming to lead his team to success as they strive to become champions.
Other former Long Beach State University players, who play in pro basketball:
Barry Ogalue (6'6''-SF-1994, played in 2015-18) plays for Caballeros de Culiacan in Mexican CIBACOPA
Tyler Lamb (6'5''-G-1991, played in 2013-15) played for Kumamoto Volters in Japanese B2 League few monts ago
Joel Murray (6'0''-PG-1999, played in 2021-23) plays for Windrose Giants Antwerp in Belgian Pro Basketball League
Deishuan Booker (6'3''-G-1996, played in 2017-19) plays for Brussels Basketball in Belgian Pro Basketball League
Tobias Rotegard (6'7''-G/F-2000, played in 2021-23) plays for Menorca in Spanish Primera FEB
Gabe Levin (6'8''-F-1994, played in 2015-18) plays for Stockton Kings in the NBA G League
Max De Geest (6'3''-G-2000, played in 2019-20) played for Canterbury Rams in New Zealand NBL last year
Amari Stroud (6'1''-F, played in 2022-24) plays for San Diego Surf in the USBL
T.J. Robinson (6'8''-F-1989, played in 2008-12) played for Boston College in Chilean LNB last year
Marcus Tsohonis (6'3''-G-2000, played in 2022-24) played for Esperos GS Lamias in Greek National League 1 last year
Ron Freeman (6'6''-G-1996, played in 2018-19) played for Thailand Gorillas in Thailand TGBL last year
Nick Faust (6'6''-SG-1993, played in 2014-14) played for Escuderos de Jalisco in Mexican CIBAPac last year
Chayce Polynice (6'11''-C, played in 2022-24) plays for Cartagena in Spanish Primera FEB
Joe Hampton (6'8''-F-1998, played in 2020-22) plays for Estudiantes de Tucuman in Argentinian La Liga Argentina
RJ Rhoden (6'3''-G-2001, played in 2019-22) played for Tampa Bay Titans in the TBL last year
Jordan Roberts (6'8''-F-1999, played in 2017-22) plays for Kriol Star in Cape Verdean Praia League
James Ennis (6'7''-F/G-1990, played in 2011-13) plays for Piratas in Venezuelan SPB
Lin Chang (6'9''-F-1988, played in 2007-11) plays for Jiaozuo in Chinese NBL
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Long Beach State University basketball alumni.
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| | Casper Ware (Russia) (Photo: @cskabasket)
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| | Justin Bibbins (France) (Photo: @Dinamo-Sass)
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| | Edon Maxhuni (France) (Photo: @BCMbasket)
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