POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
EuroBasket Pro Rockets Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Every week we bring you a list of the top former Rockets players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. JT Shumate, a 6'7'' forward who graduated from Toledo in 2023 and was a finalist for the Lou Henson National Player of the Year Award that year, currently plays professionally in the Czech Republic. In a recent game, he led ERA Basketball Nymburk to a dominant victory over NH Ostrava with a scoreline of 116-70. Shumate put up an impressive performance, contributing 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals in just 21 minutes of play. This standout display is particularly noteworthy as Shumate is in only his third season of professional basketball. Nymburk, currently sitting in first place in the Places 1-8 group with a record of 32-4, secured their sixth consecutive win in this game. Notably, this is Shumate's first season with the team, and he has been making a significant impact with an average of 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in the 30 games he has played so far. With his stellar performance, Shumate proved instrumental in leading his team to victory as the champion.
#2. Spencer Littleson, a 6'4'' guard and 27-year-old Rockets alumnus from 2021, has been making waves in the Spanish basketball scene as he currently plays professionally in Spain. Having helped his former team secure the MAC Regular Season Champion title in 2021, Littleson is now showcasing his talents in the Spanish Primera FEB, the second division of Spanish basketball.
In a recent game against league underdog Melilla, with a record of 7-25, Littleson played a significant role in his team's dominant 102-72 victory on Friday night. He put up 9 points and made 4 assists in just 17 minutes of play, displaying his skills and contributing effectively to the win.
Currently, Littleson's team, Hestia Menorca, is placed eighth in the league with a record of 17-15. With only three games remaining in the Regular Season, every game now holds great importance as teams jostle for playoff positions. This season marks Littleson's first with the team, and he has been delivering impressive performances consistently.
Throughout the season, Littleson has maintained high statistical averages, showcasing his prowess on the court. He is averaging 16.7 points per game, the second-best in the league, along with 2.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 31 games. Littleson's standout performances and impressive stats highlight his capabilities as a champion player and valuable asset to his team.
#3. Filipino basketball player AJ Edu, a 6'10'' forward/center who is 26 years old and graduated in 2023, played a pivotal role in helping his team secure the MAC Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently playing professionally in Japan, he recently made a significant impact for the Gunma Crane Thunders in a crucial victory over the Chiba Jets, who were ranked second in the league with a record of 42-18. Despite only scoring 4 points in 9 minutes of play, Edu's presence was felt throughout the game, especially in a matchup between two of the top 3 teams in the East group.
Edu's performance against the Chiba Jets was exceptional, as he contributed 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. His efforts not only aided in the team's triumph but also highlighted his basketball prowess on the court. By showcasing his skills and making vital contributions, Edu proved himself to be a true champion. His consistent performance throughout the season is evident in his averages of 6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game over 58 games.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Edu holds a British passport, adding to his versatility and potential as a player in various basketball competitions.
#4. Setric Millner Jr., a 6'6'' forward who is 25 years old and an alumnus of the Rockets from 2023, is currently playing professionally in Taiwan. In a recent game, he helped the Taoyuan Pilots secure a narrow 80-79 victory over the fourth-ranked Broncos in the Basketball Champions League Asia. Millner Jr. showcased his talent by contributing 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists during the intense 35-minute match.
The Taoyuan Pilots, with Millner Jr.'s valuable input, are currently ranked second in group B. This marks his first season with the team, and he has made a significant impact with his impressive performance on the court. His notable display of skills not only earned him individual recognition but also played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory, ultimately making him the champion of the game.
Throughout the season, Millner Jr. has maintained high statistics, averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over six games. His consistent and outstanding contributions have solidified his position as a key player for the Taoyuan Pilots.
Other former The University of Toledo players, who play in pro basketball:
Ryan Rollins (6'4''-G-2002, played in 2020-22) plays for Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA
Steve Taylor Jr. (6'9''-F/C-1993, played in 2015-15) played for Panteras de Aguascalientes in Mexican LNBP few monts ago
Andre Lorentsson (6'9''-F-2001, played in 2022-25) plays for Jamtland in Swedish Basketligan
Nathan Boothe (6'10''-PF-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Sendai 89ers in Japanese B1 League
Marreon Jackson (6'1''-G-1998, played in 2017-21) plays for Koping Stars in Swedish Basketligan
Isaiah Adams (6'6''-G, played in 2024-25) plays for Apollon in Cypriot ECOMMBX BL
Taylor Adway (6'9''-C-1996, played in 2015-18) plays for Al Ahli Sports Club Doha in Qatari QBL
JD Weatherspoon (6'6''-PF-1992, played in 2012-12) played for Best Virginia - West Virginia Alumni in the The Basketball Tournament last year
Christopher Darrington (6'1''-PG-1997, played in 2018-19) plays for Glass City Wranglers in the TBL
Matt Smith (6'7''-F-1991, played in 2010-10) plays for Immortals in Dominican Rep. LDC
Kenneth Proby Jr. (6'3''-G/F-1997, played in 2021-22) played for Team Dallas in the Eurobasket S.League last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of The University of Toledo basketball alumni.
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| | JT Shumate (Czech Republic) (Photo: @BasketballN)
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| | Spencer Littleson (Spain) (Photo: @UTRockets)
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| | AJ Edu (Japan) (Photo: @toyama.grou)
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