EuroBasket Pro Rebels Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Every week we bring you a list of the top former Rebels players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Breein Tyree, a 6'2'' guard who graduated from Ole Miss in 2020 and now plays professionally in Greece, showcased his skills in PAOK's recent victory over Peristeri. The closely-ranked Peristeri was defeated 91-79, with Tyree making a significant impact by scoring 19 points, providing 3 assists, and impressively making all twelve of his free throw attempts in just 31 minutes of play. PAOK Mateco Thessaloniki, currently placed third in the league with a record of 17-7, enjoyed their sixth consecutive win, thanks in part to Tyree's contributions.
This is Tyree's first season with PAOK, and he has been a standout performer throughout. His performance against Peristeri reflects his strong season statistics, averaging 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Tyree's stellar play was instrumental in helping his team secure the victory and ultimately be crowned the champion in the recent game.
#2. Jayveous McKinnis, a 26-year-old 6'7'' forward and Rebels alumnus from 2023, showcased his basketball prowess as a professional player in Cyprus. In a recent game, he played a pivotal role in AEK Larnaca's victory over the closely-ranked APOEL with a final score of 85-71 in the Cypriot ECOMMBX Basket League. McKinnis, a standout performer, achieved a double-double by scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while also contributing 3 blocks in just 30 minutes of play. This remarkable display of talent is particularly noteworthy given that McKinnis is only in his third season in professional basketball.
The game between AEK Larnaca and APOEL was highly anticipated as it featured two top 4 ranked teams battling it out on the court. McKinnis' team, Petrolina AEK Larnaca, currently holds the top spot in the league with an impressive record of 22-1, thanks in part to their fifth consecutive victory.
McKinnis, in his first year with the team, demonstrated his exceptional skills and versatility during the game against APOEL, notching 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist. His stellar performance was instrumental in leading his team to victory, highlighting his capabilities as a finalist. Throughout the season, McKinnis has maintained solid statistics, averaging 14.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 blocks (ranking third best in the league), and 1.2 steals per game. His consistent performance and impact on the court underscore his potential as a champion in the making.
#3. Spanish champion Sebastian Saiz, a 6'9'' power forward aged 31, graduated from Ole Miss in 2017 and received the USBWA All-District IV Team award that year. He currently plays professionally in Japan and recently led Alvark Tokyo to a victory against the fifth-ranked Sapporo with a score of 111-104 in the Japanese B1 League on Saturday night. Saiz had an impressive performance, scoring 18 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and making 3 blocks in just 21 minutes of play.
Alvark Tokyo, where Saiz has been playing for his fourth season, currently holds the fourth position in the East group with a record of 41-19. The team's recent win against Sapporo marked their sixth consecutive victory, demonstrating their strong form as they approach the end of the Regular Season with only two games remaining. Every game at this stage is crucial, and Saiz's exceptional skills and contributions on the court have proven vital in securing victories for his team.
Saiz has been having an outstanding season individually, averaging 17.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His remarkable performance against Hokkaido L further solidified his role as a true champion, showcasing his talent and capabilities in leading his team to success in the Japanese B1 League.
#4. In a recent game in the Polish Orlen Basket Liga, the experienced Polish player Tomasz Gielo, a 6'9'' forward and Rebels alumnus from 2016 who currently plays professionally in Poland, played a key role in King Szczecin's 88-85 victory over Miasto Szkla. Gielo, at 33 years old, contributed 11 points and 3 assists in 27 minutes of play. This win helped King Szczecin, currently at the top of the league with a record of 21-8, secure their fourth consecutive victory. With only one more game left in the Regular Season, the upcoming match is crucial for the team.
This season marks Gielo's first with King Szczecin, and he has made a significant impact. In a standout performance against Krosno, he scored 11 points, grabbed 1 rebound, and provided 3 assists, proving instrumental in securing the victory, thereby earning him the title of champion of the game. Throughout the season, Gielo has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
#5. Panamanian Luis Rodriguez, a 6'6'' guard who is 27 years old and graduated from UNLV in 2024, previously played at Ole Miss between 2018 and 2022 before joining a professional team in Brazil. In a recent game, he was unable to lead Sesi/Franca Sao Paulo (32-6) to victory as they were narrowly defeated 95-93 by the lower-ranked Mogi (#9) on the road. Despite his commendable effort, recording 10 points and 3 rebounds in 23 minutes, the league-leading Sesi/Franca fell short in the match.
This season marks Rodriguez's first with the team, where he has been showcasing his skills by averaging 9.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Despite his impressive individual performance against Mogi, scoring 10 points and securing 3 rebounds, his team was unable to secure the win in the end.
#6. Robert Allen, a 6'9'' forward and 26-year-old Mean Green alum from 2024, previously played for Ole Miss between 2020 and 2023 before embarking on his professional career in Italy. Despite his notable background, Allen was unable to lead Torino (17-20) to victory in their recent game against Juvi Cremona, the #11 ranked team in the league. Even though he delivered an impressive performance, scoring 13 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, and making 4 steals in 33 minutes, Torino narrowly lost 59-56.
Allen's standout showing against Juvi Cremona highlighted his individual excellence this season. He has been a key player for Torino, averaging 18.7 points per game, 9.9 rebounds (the second-best in the league), 2.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Despite his stellar stats and consistent contributions, Allen's team has faced challenges in securing victories against tough opponents like Juvi Cremona.
#7. Josh Mballa, a 6'7'' forward who recently graduated from Ole Miss in 2023, showcased his skills on the basketball court playing professionally in France for Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez. In a recent match against the sixth-ranked Poitiers, Mballa's performance was instrumental in his team's 97-90 victory in the French ELITE 2 league, the second division of French basketball.
During the game, Mballa exhibited his versatility by scoring 8 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in just 16 minutes of play. His impactful contribution helped Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez secure the win, ultimately leading them to triumph and earning Mballa the title of champion in the game.
Throughout the season, Mballa has been a consistent performer, averaging 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. His dual American and French citizenship allows him to play in France as a domestic player, further enhancing his value to the team and the league.
#8. Experienced champion Chris Warren, a 5'10'' point guard and 37-year-old Rebels alumnus from 2011 who received the All-SEC First Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Turkey. In a recent game last Wednesday, Warren, representing TED Ankara with a record of 16-18, faced a tough challenge against the higher-ranked Bordo (#3) in Balikesir. Despite Warren's commendable effort, TED Ankara suffered a 93-70 defeat at the hands of Bordo.
During the game, Warren showcased his skills by scoring 10 points, securing 2 rebounds, and contributing 4 assists in 37 minutes of play. His individual performance was noteworthy, but unfortunately, it was not enough to secure a victory for his team.
Throughout the season, Warren has been delivering an impressive performance, with notable statistics that reflect his talent. He currently averages 20.4 points per game, ranking fourth best in the league, along with 2.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Warren continues to demonstrate his prowess on the court as a standout player in the league.
#9. Devontae Shuler, a 6'2'' guard who graduated from Ole Miss in 2021 and earned an All-SEC First Team award that year, currently plays professionally in the Dominican Republic. In a recent game, Shuler, known for his skills and talent, unfortunately could not lead his team, Soles, to victory against Heroes. Despite his commendable effort, contributing 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 26 minutes of play, Shuler's team narrowly lost with a final score of 88-86.
Throughout this season, Shuler has been maintaining an average of 6.0 points per game and 1.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his consistency and contribution to his team. Although the outcome of the game was not in his favor, Shuler's performance on the court continues to demonstrate his capabilities as a champion player.
#10. Lithuanian Justas Furmanavicius, a 6'7'' forward and 31-year-old Rebels alumnus from 2018, currently playing professionally in Lithuania, recently faced off against Jonava but unfortunately could not lead Lietkabelis to victory. Despite his best efforts, Furmanavicius tallied 6 points and 2 rebounds during his 33 minutes on the court. The game was a close one, with his team narrowly losing 69-67 to Jonava. Despite the loss, Furmanavicius showcased an impressive performance with his scoring and rebounding contributions. Throughout the season, he has been maintaining solid averages of 7.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Other former The University of Mississippi players, who play in pro basketball:
Sean Pedulla (6'1''-G-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA
D'Andre Davis (6'6''-G-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Jamarion Sharp (7'5''-F-2001, played in 2023-24) plays for Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rican BSN
David Huertas (6'5''-G/F-1987, played in 2005-06) plays for Cangrejeros de Santurce in Puerto Rican BSN
Stefan Moody (5'11''-PG-1993, played in 2014-16) plays for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir in Turkish BSL
Trevor Gaskins (6'3''-PG-1989, played in 2007-11) plays for La Union in Argentinian La Liga
Allen Flanigan (6'6''-G-2001, played in 2023-24) plays for FC Porto in Portuguese Liga Betclic
Davon Barnes (6'4''-G-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Tamis PN in Serbian KLS
Malcolm Rhett (6'9''-PF-1992, played in 2014-15) played for Venados de Mazatlan in Mexican CIBACOPA few monts ago
Jarkel Joiner (6'1''-G-1999, played in 2019-22) plays for Raptors 905 Mississauga in the NBA G League
Jaylen Murray (5'11''-PG-2003, played in 2023-25) plays for Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA G League
Matthew Murrell (6'4''-G-2001, played in 2020-25) plays for Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA G League
Zach Graham (6'6''-SG-1989, played in 2007-11) played for Platense in Argentinian La Liga last year
Romello White (6'8''-PF-1998, played in 2020-21) plays for Koping Stars in Swedish Basketligan
Terence Davis (6'4''-G-1997, played in 2015-19) plays for Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rican BSN
Marcanvis Hymon (6'8''-F-1995, played in 2014-14) plays for KK Radnicki Gorazde in Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I
Jaemyn Brakefield (6'8''-F-2000, played in 2021-25) plays for Bambitious Nara in Japanese B2 League
Ja'Von Benson (6'7''-F, played in 2024-25) plays for Barsy Atyrau in Kazakhstan National League
Terrico White (6'5''-G-1990, played in 2008-10) played for Kalamunda Eastern Suns in Australian NBL One last year
Jarvis Summers (6'3''-G-1993, played in 2011-15) plays for Hangtuah in Indonesian IBL
Tye Fagan (6'3''-G-1999, played in 2021-23) played for Templeogue in Irish Division 1 last year
Mikeal Brown-Jones (6'8''-F-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for NTD in Azerbaijani ABL
Myles Burns (6'6''-F-2000, played in 2023-25) played for Gambusinos de Fresnillo in Mexican LNBP last year
Theo Akwuba (6'11''-C/F-2000, played in 2022-23) plays for Angeles de Ciudad de Mexico in Mexican CIBACOPA
Reginald Buckner (6'10''-F/C-1991, played in 2009-13) played for Riachuelo LR in Argentinian La Liga last year
Aaron Jones (6'9''-F/C-1993, played in 2011-15) plays for Falcons in Mongolian MBL
Nysier Brooks (7'0''-C-1996, played in 2021-22) plays for Cayirova in Turkish TBL
Markel Crawford (6'5''-G-1994, played in 2017-18) played for Gladiadores in Venezuelan SPB last year
Rasheed Brooks (5'11''-PG-1994, played in 2015-17) plays for Columbus Wizards in the TBL
Anthony Perez (6'9''-F-1993, played in 2012-16) plays for Marinos in Venezuelan SPB
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of The University of Mississippi basketball alumni.
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| | Breein Tyree (Greece) (Photo: @petkimsporb)
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| | Jayveous McKinnis (Cyprus) (Photo: @aeklarnakas)
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| | Sebastian Saiz (Japan) (Photo: @toyotaalvar)
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