EuroBasket Pro Wolverines Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Here is the weekly review of the top performing Wolverines alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Champion Caris LeVert, a 6'7'' guard who graduated from Michigan in 2016 and received the Big Ten All-Sportsmanship Team award that year, is currently playing professionally in the NBA. In a recent game, LeVert, now 31 years old, was unable to lead the Detroit Pistons (60-22) to victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite his exceptional performance. The Pistons suffered a 103-112 loss on the road, with LeVert emerging as the top scorer with 24 points. Additionally, he contributed 4 rebounds and 3 assists during his 32 minutes on the court. This season marks LeVert's first with the team, and he has maintained solid statistics, averaging 7.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in the 70 games he has played so far. Despite his standout efforts in the game against the Cavaliers, the Pistons were unable to secure the win.
#2. Finnish basketball champion Olivier Nkamhoua, a 6'8'' forward and 26-year-old Wolverines alumnus from 2024, showcased his talent while playing professionally in Italy for Itelyum Varese. In a recent game against Virtus, the current finalist, despite Nkamhoua's remarkable performance, Varese suffered a tough 104-85 defeat in Bologna. Nkamhoua emerged as the standout player, scoring an impressive 30 points in 33 minutes, highlighting his skills in only his second season in professional basketball. The Regular Season has already concluded, marking Nkamhoua's first year with the team.
Despite his individual success, with notable averages of 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in 29 appearances, Nkamhoua's efforts weren't enough to secure a victory for Varese in the challenging matchup against Virtus BO.
#3. Derrick Walton Jr., a 6'1'' guard who graduated from Michigan in 2017 and currently plays professionally in Puerto Rico, showcased his talent in a recent game. He led Capitanes de Arecibo to a narrow 101-99 victory over the fourth-ranked Indios. In this match, Walton Jr. was named the MVP after putting up an impressive performance, recording a double-double with 25 points and 11 assists, while also grabbing 4 rebounds in 32 minutes of play.
Capitanes de Arecibo, currently holding the second position in Group A with a record of 12-4, secured their fourth consecutive win thanks to Walton Jr.'s stellar showing. His exceptional display in the game against Mayaguez, where he contributed 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 11 assists, played a crucial role in leading his team to triumph as the champion.
Throughout the season, Walton Jr. has been having a standout year individually, averaging 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in 13 appearances. His consistent high-level performance has undoubtedly been a key factor in Capitanes de Arecibo's success, culminating in their recent victory as the champion.
#4. Duncan Robinson, a 6'8'' forward and 32-year-old former Wolverines alumni from 2018, who was honored with the All-Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award, currently showcases his talents in the NBA. He shares the court with his teammate, the aforementioned Caris LeVert. In a recent game featuring his team, the Detroit Pistons, Robinson unfortunately couldn't contribute enough as they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers and suffered a 109-116 defeat.
Despite the loss, Robinson displayed his skills by scoring 15 points, dishing out 4 assists, and recording 5 steals during his 36 minutes on the court. His remarkable performance against the Cavaliers included 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Even though his individual efforts were commendable, the team couldn't secure the win. This game once again highlighted why he is recognized as a champion player in the league.
Throughout the season, Robinson has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 12.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game across 88 appearances. His consistent performance and contribution to the team further solidify his status as a finalist in the league.
#5. Mike Smith, a 5'11'' point guard who is 28 years old and graduated from Michigan in 2021 after helping them become the Big Ten Regular Season Champion that year, currently plays professionally in Turkey. In a recent game, despite his commendable performance, Smith was unable to prevent Bursaspor Basketbol (10-20) from being narrowly defeated 84-82 by the lower-ranked (#14) Pinar Karsiyaka in Izmir. Smith emerged as the second-best scorer of the game with 16 points and also contributed 5 assists in 35 minutes of play. This loss marked Bursaspor Basketbol's first defeat following three consecutive victories in the Regular Season that had already concluded.
Even though Smith showcased an impressive display against Karsiyaka, scoring 16 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists, his team fell short of securing the win. Throughout the season, Smith has maintained solid statistics with an average of 15.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game across 10 appearances.
#6. Chaundee Brown Jr., a 6'5'' guard and 27-year-old alum of the Wolverines' 2021 class, played a pivotal role in helping his team claim the Big Ten Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently, he is showcasing his talent as a professional player in the United Kingdom. In a recent British Super League Basketball game, Brown Jr. led the London Lions to a convincing 89-70 victory over the fifth-ranked Leicester Riders on Thursday night.
During the game, Brown Jr. displayed his skills by recording 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 30 minutes of play. His impressive performance included scoring points, grabbing rebounds, and contributing assists, highlighting his versatility and impact on the court. His contribution was instrumental in securing a crucial win for his team, further solidifying his reputation as a champion.
Throughout the season, Brown Jr. has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game across 21 outings. His consistent performance and dedication to the game have been evident in his contributions to the team's success, positioning him as a key player and a finalist in every game he plays.
#7. Canadian champion Ignas Brazdeikis, a 6'7'' guard/forward who graduated from Michigan in 2019 and received the All-Big Ten Freshman of the Year award, currently plays professionally in Lithuania. In a recent game, he contributed to Zalgiris Kaunas' impressive 87-70 victory over the fifth-ranked Lietkabelis. Despite scoring only 4 points in 18 minutes, Brazdeikis made a significant impact by also securing 1 rebound and providing 2 assists. His efforts were crucial in helping his team emerge as the champion in the match.
Throughout the season, Brazdeikis has maintained an average of 8.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game across 27 appearances. Notably, he holds dual American and Canadian citizenship, enabling him to play in Canada as a domestic player.
#8. Will Tschetter, a 6'8'' forward and 23-year-old alum from the Wolverines' 2026 championship-winning team, now plays professionally in Australia. In a recent game, despite Tschetter's stellar performance, the Warwick Senators, currently in 11th place, suffered a heavy 110-90 defeat against the top-ranked Tigers in the West group. Tschetter stood out as the top scorer with 27 points and contributed 9 rebounds in 29 minutes on the court.
During the game against the Willetton Tigers, Tschetter showcased his skills by scoring 27 points, securing 9 rebounds, and providing 1 assist. Despite his exceptional individual display, Warwick Senators failed to clinch the win. Throughout the season, Tschetter has maintained impressive stats, averaging 26.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game across four matches.
#9. Brandon Johns Jr., a 6'8'' forward who is 26 years old and graduated from VCU in 2023, showcased his talent in a recent game in the Portuguese Liga Betclic Masculina. Playing professionally in Portugal after his stint in Michigan from 2018 to 2022, he played a pivotal role in his team's dominant 109-67 victory over the seventh-ranked Esgueira on Sunday night.
In that game, Johns Jr. delivered an impressive performance, contributing 6 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 22 minutes of play. His all-around skills were on full display as he helped guide his team to a resounding win, showcasing the qualities of a true champion.
Throughout the season, Johns Jr. has maintained solid statistics, averaging 14.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game across 23 games. His consistent performance on the court has undoubtedly played a significant role in his team's success, positioning him as a key player and a finalist in the league.
#10. Zak Irvin, a 6'6'' guard/forward and a 31-year-old Michigan Wolverines alum from the class of 2017, currently plays professional basketball in the United Kingdom. Despite his best efforts, Irvin was unable to lead Manchester Basketball to victory against Cheshire Phoenix, with his team suffering a significant 28-point defeat with a final score of 106-78. During the game, Irvin showcased his skills by contributing 8 points and 3 rebounds in 23 minutes of play. His individual performance was notable, but unfortunately, it was not enough to secure a win for his team.
Throughout the current season, Irvin has maintained an average of 6.6 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game across 32 games. Despite the challenges faced, Irvin continues to demonstrate his dedication and talent on the court as he competes in the United Kingdom professional basketball league.
Other former University of Michigan players, who play in pro basketball:
Eli Brooks (6'1''-G-1998, played in 2017-22) plays for BAXI Manresa in Spanish Liga Endesa
DeVante Jones (6'0''-PG-1998, played in 2021-22) plays for Dolomiti Energia Trentino in Italian Serie A
Tray Jackson (6'10''-F-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Beirut Club in Lebanese DLBL
Isaiah Livers (6'7''-PF-1998, played in 2017-21) plays for Phoenix Suns in the NBA
Tim Hardaway Jr. (6'5''-G-1992, played in 2010-13) plays for Denver Nuggets in the NBA
Moussa Diabate (6'10''-F-2002, played in 2021-22) plays for Charlotte Hornets in the NBA
Kobe Bufkin (6'4''-G-2003, played in 2021-23) plays for Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA
Danny Wolf (7'0''-F-2004, played in 2024-25) plays for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Jordan Poole (6'4''-SG-1999, played in 2017-19) plays for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA
Caleb Houstan (6'8''-G-2003, played in 2022-22) plays for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
Franz Wagner (6'10''-F-2001, played in 2019-21) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Moritz Wagner (6'11''-F/C-1997, played in 2015-18) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Jett Howard (6'7''-G-2003) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Vladislav Goldin (7'1''-C-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for Miami Heat in the NBA
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (6'5''-G-1994, played in 2014-18) plays for Treviso in Italian Serie A
Jordan Morgan (6'9''-C-1991, played in 2009-14) played for Suwon KT Sonicboom in South Korean KBL few monts ago
Joey Baker (6'7''-G/F-2000, played in 2022-23) plays for Borac ZM in Serbian KLS
D.J. Wilson (6'10''-F-1996, played in 2014-17) plays for Jilin Northeast Tigers in Chinese CBA
Glenn Robinson III (6'6''-F-1994, played in 2012-14) plays for Al Sharjah in UAE ULB
Zavier Simpson (6'0''-PG-1997, played in 2016-20) plays for Ningbo Rockets in Chinese CBA
Rubin Jones (6'5''-G, played in 2024-25) plays for Slavia in Czech Republic NBL
Charles Matthews (6'6''-G/F-1996, played in 2016-16) plays for Al Wehdat in Jordanian Premier League
Manny Harris (6'6''-SG-1989, played in 2007-10) played for Al Riyadi in Lebanese DLBL last year
Trey Burke (6'0''-PG-1992, played in 2011-13) plays for Astros de Jalisco in Mexican CIBACOPA
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Michigan basketball alumni.
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| | Caris LeVert (NBA) (Photo: @hawks)
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| | Olivier Nkamhoua (Italy) (Photo: @ninerschemn)
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| | Derrick Walton Jr. (Puerto Rico) (Photo: @hapoel.holo)
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