POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
EuroBasket Pro Titans Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
We bring you last week's top former Titans players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Experienced champion Evan Bruinsma, a 6'9'' power forward who graduated from Detroit in 2014 and currently plays professionally in Israel, played a pivotal role in Bnei Hertzeliya's triumph over the 11th-ranked Ironi Nes-Ziona with a score of 95-88 in the Israeli Winner League on Sunday night. He showcased his talent by achieving a double-double, scoring 22 points, securing 15 rebounds, and providing 3 assists while maintaining a perfect 5-for-5 record from the free-throw line, all within 38 minutes of play.
Bnei Ofek Dist Hertzeliya, with a 14-6 record, holds the fifth position in the league standings after the Regular Season concluded. Bruinsma's remarkable performance against I. Ness Ziona not only led his team to victory but also earned him the prestigious Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com, solidifying his status as a finalist. Throughout the season, Bruinsma has consistently displayed exceptional skills on the court, making him a true champion. His remarkable averages of 15.3 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game further attest to his strong individual performance this season.
#2. Thomas Kennedy, a 38-year-old former Titans alumni from 2010 standing at 6'7" and currently playing professionally in Japan, played a crucial role as a major contributor in SeaHorses Mikawa's 76-73 victory against the fifth-ranked NeoPhoenix in the Japanese B1 League. Recording an impressive 20 points in just 26 minutes, Kennedy showcased his skill and experience on the court. SeaHorses Mikawa, currently placed second in the West group with a record of 42-16, secured their seventh consecutive victory, highlighting their strong performance as a team. With only two games remaining in the Regular Season, every game now holds significant importance for the team.
In a recent game against San-en NP, Thomas Kennedy displayed his talent by scoring 20 points, along with 2 rebounds and 1 assist, ultimately leading his team to victory. His outstanding performance not only contributed to the win but also emphasized his capabilities as a true champion. Throughout the season, Kennedy has maintained an average of 8.1 points per game and 2.4 rebounds per game, showcasing his consistent contribution to the team's success.
#3. Canadian player Cole Long, a 6'7'' small forward aged 29, who graduated from Detroit in 2019 and currently plays professionally in the United Kingdom, was unable to lead the Newcastle Eagles (12-20) to victory in their recent game last Friday. Despite Long's commendable efforts, Newcastle Eagles suffered a defeat on the road against the higher-ranked Leicester Riders (#5) with a score of 94-86. Long showcased his talent by achieving a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds during his 41 minutes on the court.
With only two games remaining in the Regular Season, each upcoming game holds significant importance for the team. Long delivered an impressive performance against Leicester Riders, contributing 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist. However, despite his solid performance, Newcastle Eagles fell short of securing the much-needed victory.
Throughout the season, Long has maintained relatively strong statistics, averaging 11.4 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game. His consistent contributions on the court have been notable, positioning him as a key player for the team as they strive towards success in the remaining games of the season.
#4. Georgian basketball player Willy Isiani, standing at 6'8'' and playing as a forward/center, showcased his skills as a Titans alumnus in 2022 during Rustavi's recent game in the Georgian Superleague. In a surprising turn of events, Rustavi, currently ranked second from the bottom in the league, managed to crush the league leader Griffin with a dominant 108-72 victory on Wednesday night. Isiani played a pivotal role in this triumph, contributing significantly with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist in just 17 minutes on the court.
Isiani's standout performance helped his team secure the victory and earn the title of champion in the match against Griffin. Despite Rustavi's overall ranking in the league standings, Isiani's impressive stats this season speak volumes about his impact on the court, with an average of 9.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. This season marks Isiani's debut with the team, and his remarkable contributions have certainly made him a key player to watch in the Georgian Superleague.
#5. Italian champion Edoardo Del Cadia, a 6'8'' forward who is 27 years old and graduated from Detroit in 2024, currently plays professionally in Italy. He played a key role in helping Ferraroni Juvi Cremona secure a narrow 83-82 victory over the closely-ranked Mestre (14-23) in the Italian Serie A2 (second division) on Sunday night. Despite scoring only 4 points in 9 minutes on the court, Del Cadia's presence proved instrumental in his team's success. Ferraroni Juvi Cremona, with a record of 18-19, holds the 11th position in the league standings.
As the regular season nears its end, Del Cadia's team has one crucial game remaining. His performance against Mestre, where he contributed 4 points and 2 rebounds, was vital in ensuring his team's triumph. Del Cadia's overall season averages include 3.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. With his skills and dedication, Del Cadia has been a standout player for his team, helping them on their journey to becoming the finalist.
Other former University of Detroit Mercy players, who play in pro basketball:
Bul Kuol (6'7''-G/F-1997, played in 2020-21) plays for Sydney Kings in Australian NBL
Antoine Davis (6'1''-G-1998, played in 2023-23) plays for Stockton Kings in the NBA G League
Emmanuel Kuac (6'7''-G/F, played in 2023-25) plays for Nassjo in Swedish Basketligan
Kameron Chatman (6'8''-G/F-1996, played in 2016-16) plays for H.Kralove in Czech Republic NBL
Madut Akec (6'7''-F-1999, played in 2021-22) played for Waverley Falcons in Australian NBL One few monts ago
Gerald Blackshear (6'9''-F-1997, played in 2015-19) played for Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina A1 Liga last year
Gerald Liddell (6'8''-F-1999, played in 2022-23) plays for J.Hradec in Czech Republic 1Liga
Alex Tchikou (6'11''-F-2002, played in 2023-25) plays for Levallois Metropolitans BC in French NM1
Paris Bass (6'10''-F/C-1995, played in 2013-23) plays for Al Ahly Tripoli in Libyan D1
Ray McCallum (6'3''-PG-1991, played in 2010-13) plays for TSG Ghosthawks in Taiwanese PLeague+
Buay Koka (7'1''-C-1997, played in 2020-23) played for Potawatomi Fire in the TBL last year
Prince Oduro (6'8''-F-1998, played in 2021-22) played for Brampton Honey Badgers in CEBL last year
Jalen Gibson (6'7''-F, played in 2015-16) played for Dearborn Wolfpack in the MBL last year
Christopher Blake (6'5''-F-1988, played in 2008-12) plays for San Salvador in Salvadorean Liga MB
Jarod Williams (6'3''-PG, played in 2013-17) played for Richmond Ram Chargers in the ABA last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Detroit Mercy basketball alumni.
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| | Evan Bruinsma (Israel) (Photo: @Buyukcekmec)
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| | Thomas Kennedy (Japan) (Photo: @hiroshimadr)
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| | Cole Long (United Kingdom) (Photo: @newcastleea)
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