POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
EuroBasket Pro Hoosiers Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Every week we bring you a list of the top former Hoosiers players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Justin Smith, a 6'7'' forward aged 27, who graduated from Arkansas in 2021 and played in Indiana from 2017 to 2020 before joining a professional team in Israel, showcased his skills and leadership on the court. In a recent Israeli Winner League game, he led Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem to a decisive 97-81 victory over E.Netanya, one of the league's struggling teams with a 6-17 record. Smith's remarkable performance earned him the title of MVP of the game, as he contributed 22 points and 5 rebounds in just 20 minutes of play.
Currently, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem holds the third position in the league standings with a 16-7 record. With only three games remaining in the Regular Season, each match is of utmost importance in determining their final placing. Smith's consistent performance throughout the season, averaging 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, highlights his significant impact as a champion player for his team.
By delivering a standout performance against E.Netanya, Justin Smith proved himself as a champion player, crucial in leading his team to victory and maintaining a strong position in the league standings.
#2. British O.G. Anunoby, a 28-year-old forward standing at 6'7'' and an alum of the Hoosiers class of 2017, showcased his skills in the NBA as he played a pivotal role in the New York Knicks' triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 108-102 on Wednesday night. Anunoby, a pro player in the NBA, delivered an impressive performance by scoring 24 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists in 37 minutes of play. This stellar display by Anunoby played a significant part in his team's triumph, marking their fifth consecutive victory. The New York Knicks, with a somewhat modest 54-29 record this season, have been benefiting greatly from Anunoby's contributions on the court.
Anunoby has been having an exceptional season individually, boasting impressive statistics with an average of 17.3 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game, and 1.6 steals per game. His consistent high-level performance has been instrumental in driving his team towards success, ultimately leading them to emerge as the champion in this particular game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
#3. Juwan Morgan, a 6'8'' forward who graduated from Indiana in 2019 and received an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention award that year, currently plays professionally in Montenegro. Despite his best efforts, Morgan was unable to assist Buducnost (18-6) in their recent game last Friday. Despite a strong showing from Morgan, the league-leading Buducnost suffered a 94-90 defeat on the road against Cluj Napoca.
In the match, Morgan emerged as the standout performer, leading his team in scoring with 15 points. He also showcased his versatility by contributing 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in just 22 minutes of play. Despite his commendable performance against Cluj Napoca, where he recorded 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, Morgan's team ultimately fell short and ended up on the losing side.
Throughout the season, Morgan has maintained solid statistics, averaging 10.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, ranking him as the third-best player in the league in terms of steals per game.
#4. Experienced point guard Yogi Ferrell, standing at 6'0'' and 33 years old, is a former Hoosiers alumnus from 2016 who notably assisted in their triumph as Big Ten Regular Season Champion that year. Currently playing professionally in Montenegro, he is a teammate of the aforementioned Juwan Morgan, with both recently sharing the court in the latest AdmiralBet ABA League game.
Unfortunately, Ferrell was unable to propel Buducnost (18-6) to victory in their recent match last Friday. Despite his commendable performance, the league-leading Buducnost suffered a 94-90 defeat in Cluj Napoca at the hands of the formidable Cluj Napoca squad. Ferrell stood out as the team's second-highest scorer, contributing 14 points, along with 4 rebounds and 5 assists, during his 30 minutes on the court.
Despite his noteworthy efforts against Cluj Napoca, where he showcased his skills with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, Ferrell's team fell short and ultimately lost the game. Throughout the season, Ferrell has maintained solid statistics, averaging 13.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Furthermore, it is interesting to note that Ferrell holds dual American and Montenegrin citizenship, enabling him to play in Montenegro as a domestic player.
#5. Anthony Walker, a 25-year-old 6'9'' forward who graduated from Indiana in 2024 and currently plays professionally in Hungary, showcased his skills for Kaposvari in their recent game last Friday. Despite his exceptional performance, the third-placed Kaposvari (17-9) was narrowly defeated 93-92 on the opponent's court by the sixth-ranked Szombathely in the Play-Off group.
Walker, the team's top scorer with 19 points, also contributed 2 blocks in just 23 minutes of play. This season marks his debut with the team, and he has been consistently delivering solid performances. In the game against Szombathely, he displayed his talent by scoring 19 points, securing 3 rebounds, and providing 1 assist. However, despite his remarkable efforts, Kaposvari ended up on the losing side.
Throughout the season, Walker has maintained relatively good statistics, averaging 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. His contributions on the court have been vital for Kaposvari as they strive to secure victories and advance in the competition.
#6. Thomas Bryant, a 6'10'' forward/center who is 28 years old and an alumnus of the Hoosiers from 2017, currently plays professionally in the NBA. Despite his efforts, Bryant was unable to assist the Cleveland Cavaliers in overcoming the Detroit Pistons. During the game, he managed to score just 4 points in a 10-minute appearance on the court. Unfortunately, his team suffered a 111-101 loss in the NBA matchup. Even though his team fell short, Bryant's talent was evident as he contributed 4 points against the Detroit Pistons. This season, Bryant maintains an average of 5.9 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game. The finalist's individual performance shone brightly despite the team's defeat.
#7. Robert Phinisee, a 6'1'' guard who graduated from Cincinnati in 2023, displayed his exceptional skills in a recent game where he led 4 Bears Roar to a resounding victory over the Willamette Valley Jaguars in The Basketball League. In this matchup, Phinisee dominated the court, scoring 22 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists, showcasing a remarkable double-double performance. Additionally, he showcased his defensive prowess by recording 5 steals during the game.
Phinisee's outstanding performance was recognized as he was named the MVP of the game. His contributions were instrumental in his team's victory, where they outscored their opponents 147-98. This stellar showing also earned Phinisee the prestigious Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com, further solidifying his reputation as a true champion.
Throughout the season, Phinisee has maintained solid statistics, averaging 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His consistent performance and leadership on the court highlight his prowess as a standout player and a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Other former Indiana University players, who play in pro basketball:
Race Thompson (6'8''-F-1999, played in 2024-25) plays for Legia Warszawa in Polish OBL
Noah Vonleh (6'10''-F/C-1995, played in 2013-14) plays for Zenit in Russian VTB United League
Cody Zeller (7'0''-F-1992, played in 2011-13) played for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA few monts ago
Trayce Jackson-Davis (6'9''-F-2000, played in 2024-26) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-1988, played in 2007-08) plays for Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA
Kel'el Ware (7'0''-C-2004, played in 2023-24) plays for Miami Heat in the NBA
Aljami Durham (6'4''-G-1998, played in 2017-21) plays for Cremona in Italian Serie A
Oumar Ballo (7'0''-C-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Cantu in Italian Serie A
Troy Williams (6'7''-SF-1994, played in 2013-16) plays for Venados de Mazatlan in Mexican CIBACOPA
Luke Goode (6'7''-F-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League
Xavier Johnson (6'3''-G-1999, played in 2021-24) played for Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League last year
Trey Galloway (6'5''-G-2001, played in 2020-25) plays for Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G League
James Blackmon Jr. (6'4''-G-1995, played in 2014-18) plays for Stella Artois Leuven Bears in Belgian Pro Basketball League
Devonte Green (6'3''-G-1997, played in 2016-20) plays for Neftci in Azerbaijani ABL
Langdon Hatton (7'0''-C, played in 2024-25) plays for NTD in Azerbaijani ABL
Guy-Marc Michel (6'11''-C-1988, played in 2010-10) played for Castelnau Bsk in French NM3 last year
Josh Newkirk (6'1''-PG-1994, played in 2015-18) played for Dinamo Vladivostok in Russian Superleague last year
Victor Oladipo (6'4''-G-1992, played in 2010-13) plays for Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G League
Miller Kopp (6'7''-F-1998, played in 2024-24) plays for Vancouver Bandits in CEBL
Jordan Hulls (5'11''-SG-1990, played in 2009-13) played for Assembly Ball - Indiana Alumni in the The Basketball Tournament last year
Freddie McSwain Jr. (6'7''-SF-1994, played in 2017-18) played for FG Guasave in Mexican CIBAPac last year
Jalen Hood-Schifino (6'6''-G-2003, played in 2023-25) played for Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Summer League last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Indiana University basketball alumni.
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| | Justin Smith (Israel) (Photo: @Hapoel-Jeru)
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| | O.G. Anunoby (NBA) (Photo: @NYKnicks)
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| | Juwan Morgan (Montenegro) (Photo: @KkBuducnost)
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