POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
EuroBasket Pro Aggies Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Every week we bring you a list of the top former Aggies players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Brynton Lemar, a 6'4'' shooting guard who graduated from UC Davis in 2017, has been making a significant impact in the Turkish ING Basketbol Super Ligi. Currently playing professionally in Turkey for Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul, Lemar recently displayed his prowess on the court by leading his team to a crucial 81-69 victory over Petkimspor. This win marked Besiktas' sixth consecutive victory, solidifying their second-place position in the league standings.
In the game against Petkimspor, Lemar shone brightly, being named the MVP after scoring 15 points in just 29 minutes of play. His contribution of 15 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists showcased his versatility and skill set, proving instrumental in securing the important win for his team. This standout performance exemplified why Lemar is recognized as a true champion, demonstrating his determination and talent when it matters most.
As the regular season nears its end with only two games remaining, every match becomes critical for Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul. Despite it being Lemar's first season with the team, he has been a key player, averaging 8.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His American nationality adds to his dynamic presence on the court, further solidifying his position as a standout player in the league.
#2. TJ Shorts, a 5'9'' point guard and 28-year-old Aggies alumni from 2019, who received the All-Big West First Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Greece. Recently, he played a significant role in Panathinaikos' narrow 2-point victory over the second-ranked Valencia 107-105 in the Euroleague. In this thrilling match, Shorts showcased his skills by scoring 10 points and delivering 6 assists in just 20 minutes of play. His impressive performance proved crucial in securing the win for Panathinaikos Aktor Athens, which currently holds the seventh position in the league standings. Shorts' consistent contributions on the court highlight his capabilities as a true champion.
Throughout the season, Shorts has maintained an average of 8.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. As a naturalized American player, his talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Shorts' journey to the professional basketball scene includes his participation in the prestigious Eurobasket Summer League, known as a top platform for players aspiring to pursue basketball careers overseas.
#3. Elijah Pepper, a 6'4'' guard and 24-year-old UC Davis graduate of 2024, has been making waves in the professional basketball scene in New Zealand. Recently, he led the Wellington Saints to a resounding victory over the closely-ranked Airs, with a final score of 111-89 in the New Zealand National Basketball League. Pepper's exceptional performance earned him the title of MVP of the game, as he showcased his talents by scoring an impressive 36 points, along with 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in just 33 minutes of play. It is remarkable to see such a standout performance from Pepper, especially considering it is only his second season in professional basketball.
Currently, the Wellington Saints hold the fourth position in the league with a record of 3-2. Despite their current standing, it is still early in the season, and anything is possible as the competition progresses.
Pepper's individual performance throughout the season has been outstanding, with impressive statistics to back it up. He leads the league with an average of 27.4 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess. Additionally, he contributes 5.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 3.6 steals per game, further solidifying his status as a champion in the making. With Pepper's exceptional skills and leadership on the court, he continues to prove himself as a formidable force in the league.
#4. Christian Anigwe, a 25-year-old 6'9'' forward and former Aggies alumni from the class of 2023, currently plays professionally in Latvia. Despite his All-Big West Honorable Mention award in his final year at college, Anigwe couldn't help Rigas Zelli secure a victory in their recent game last Sunday. The fourth-placed Rigas Zelli suffered a 98-93 defeat on the road against Valmiera Glass, who is ranked fifth in the East group.
Anigwe showcased a commendable performance in the game, emerging as the second-highest scorer for his team with 17 points while also contributing 9 rebounds in 28 minutes of play. This season marks Anigwe's debut with the team, and he has been delivering consistently solid performances.
In the match against Valmiera Glass, Anigwe displayed his skills by scoring 17 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and providing 1 assist. Despite his notable contributions, Rigas Zelli couldn't secure the victory. Throughout the season, Anigwe has maintained relatively good stats, averaging 11.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
#5. Estonian champion Ran Andre Pehka, a 6'4'' point guard and 24-year-old UC Davis graduate from 2021, who currently plays professionally in Estonia, was unable to lead TalTech (4-3) to victory in their recent game last Friday. Although Pehka showcased a strong performance, contributing 11 points and 2 rebounds in 24 minutes, TalTech ultimately suffered a loss to the leading Kalev/Cramo with a score of 80-72 in a highly anticipated derby match.
Despite his impressive display on the court, Pehka's team could not secure the win. This marks Pehka's fifth season with TalTech, where he has been a key player for the team. Throughout this season, Pehka has maintained solid averages of 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, showcasing his consistent contribution to the team's performance.
#6. Leo DeBruhl, a 6'3'' guard and Aggies alumnus from 2025, currently playing professionally in France, showcased his skills in a recent game for Vitre. Despite his standout performance, the ninth-placed Vitre was unable to secure a victory against the higher-ranked Pays Salonais (#7) in Group B, ultimately losing 85-74 in Sapela.
DeBruhl proved to be a key player for Vitre, leading the team in scoring with 23 points while also contributing 4 assists and 4 steals in 31 minutes of play. His impressive display on the court highlighted his talent and contribution to the team's efforts, even though they fell short in the end.
Throughout the season, DeBruhl has consistently delivered strong performances, averaging 15.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His individual success reflects his skill and determination as he continues to make an impact on the court for Vitre.
#7. French champion Kane Milling, a 6'4'' guard aged 25, who graduated from UC Davis in 2024 and helped them reach the final of the Big West Tournament that year, currently plays professionally in France. Recently, he led Levallois Metropolitans BC to a resounding victory over the second-ranked Mulhouse in the French Nationale Masculine 1 (third division) with a dominant scoreline of 105-78 on Tuesday night. In this game, he showcased his skills and was named the MVP after recording a double-double with 20 points and 12 assists, along with contributing 4 rebounds and 3 steals in just 27 minutes of play. Furthermore, Milling highlighted his accuracy by making all six of his free throws. This exceptional performance not only secured the win for his team but also reaffirmed his position as a true champion. Throughout the current season, Milling has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, further solidifying his status as a standout finalist.
Other former University of California - Davis players, who play in pro basketball:
Chima Moneke (6'6''-PF-1995, played in 2015-15) plays for Crvena zvezda in Serbian KLS
Oliver Gehrke (6'7''-F-2000, played in 2019-20) plays for Sodertalje in Swedish Basketligan
Ty Johnson (6'3''-G-2003, played in 2022-25) plays for Vilpas in Finnish Korisliiga
AJ John (6'8''-F-1996, played in 2016-16) plays for Kosice Wolves in Slovakian Tipos SBL
Joshua Fox (6'8''-F/C-1994, played in 2013-16) played for FIJ NT in Fijian few monts ago
Ade Adebayo (6'5''-G, played in 2019-24) plays for Sol Girones in Spanish Segunda FEB
Samuel Manu (6'7''-F-2000, played in 2022-24) plays for Taipei Taishin Mars in Taiwanese TPBL
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of California - Davis basketball alumni.
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| | Brynton Lemar (Turkey) (Photo: @kkcedevitao)
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| | TJ Shorts (Greece) (Photo: @BogdanBogda)
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| | Elijah Pepper (New Zealand) (Photo: @warwicksena)
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