EuroBasket Pro Orange Weekly Update

- May 22, 2026

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

EuroBasket Pro Orange Weekly Update

Syracuse logo Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Orange alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.

   #1. Brittney Sykes, a 5'9'' point guard who graduated from Syracuse in 2017 and received the All-ACC First Team award that year, currently plays professionally in the WNBA. In a recent game for the Toronto Tempo, despite her exceptional performance, the team couldn't secure a victory, ultimately losing 96-106 in a heated derby match. Sykes, the team's top scorer, showcased her skills by scoring 38 points, along with 3 assists and 3 steals, all while maintaining a perfect 15-for-15 record from the free-throw line during her 38 minutes on the court. Even though this defeat occurred early in the season, there is still plenty of time for the team to bounce back and strive for success. In another game against the LA Sparks, Sykes delivered an outstanding performance by contributing 38 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists. Her remarkable efforts were instrumental in leading her team to victory, ultimately securing them the champion title of the game. Throughout the season, Sykes has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 24.0 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals in the five games she has played so far. With such strong performances, Sykes continues to prove herself as a standout player in the league.

   #2. Dyaisha Fair, a 24-year-old professional basketball player standing at 5'5'' and a former Orange alumna from 2024, has been making waves in the Mexican Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional Feminil. Fair, who previously helped her alma mater reach the Arab Club Championship Finalist in 2024, now plays as a point guard for Panteras de Aguascalientes in Mexico. In a recent game against El Calor, a closely-ranked opponent with a record of 9-7, Fair showcased her skills and leadership on the court. She led her team to a resounding 107-71 victory, dominating the game and earning the title of MVP. Despite it only being her second season in professional basketball, Fair displayed an exceptional performance, scoring 22 points, delivering 7 assists, and making 3 steals in 33 minutes of play. This standout performance was crucial in securing the win for Panteras de Aguascalientes, who currently hold the top spot in the league with a record of 14-2. Fair's stellar contributions in the game against El Calor highlighted her versatility and impact as a player, ultimately leading her team to victory and solidifying her status as a champion of the game. Throughout the season, Fair has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 13.4 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game, 5.3 assists per game (the second best in the league), and 2.0 steals per game (the fourth best in the league) across 21 games. Her consistent performance and all-around skills have made her a standout player in the league, earning recognition as a top performer and a key player for Panteras de Aguascalientes.

   #3. Australian Georgia Woolley, a 6'0'' guard, 23-year-old graduate of Syracuse University in 2025, is currently showcasing her skills playing professionally in Australia. In a recent game, despite her commendable performance, the 12th-placed NGC Seahawks (0-4) were unable to secure a victory against the leading Brisbane Spartans in the North group, ultimately losing 70-77 on the road. Woolley contributed significantly with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in 31 minutes of play, showing promise in her debut season in professional basketball. Despite the team's challenging start to the Regular Season, Woolley's individual performance has been noteworthy, averaging an impressive 25.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. In a match against SD Spartans, she once again displayed her talent with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, exemplifying the characteristics of a true champion even in the face of defeat.

   #4. Emily Engstler, a 6'1'' forward and Cardinals alumna from 2022 who previously played at Syracuse from 2018 to 2021, is a professional basketball player in the WNBA. Despite her best efforts, Engstler, a finalist for the All-ACC Co-Sixth Player of the Year award during her time at Syracuse, could not lead the Portland Fire to victory against the Indiana Fever in the recent Women's National Basketball Association game. She contributed 5 points and 2 rebounds in 21 minutes of play, showcasing her skills on the court. However, the Portland Fire, ranked #6, suffered a tough 90-73 loss to the Indiana Fever in Indianapolis. Engstler's statistics for this season are noteworthy, with an average of 8.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game over five games. Despite the setback against the Indiana Fever, Engstler continues to demonstrate her talent and determination as a professional basketball player in the WNBA.

Other former Syracuse University players, who play in pro basketball:

Kayla Alexander (6'4''-C-1991, played in 2009-13) plays for Valencia in Spanish LF Endesa
Digna Strautmane (6'2''-F-1998, played in 2017-21) plays for Wroclaw in Polish OBLK
Izabel Varejao (6'4''-C-1999, played in 2023-25) plays for Partizan in Serbian 1 ZLS
Alexis Peterson (5'8''-PG-1995, played in 2013-17) plays for Villeneuve in French LFB
Cornelia Fondren (5'8''-G-1993, played in 2012-16) plays for Scrivia in Italian Serie A1
Dominique Camp (5'8''-G, played in 2023-25) plays for Bodrum in Turkish TKBL
Dariauna Lewis (6'1''-F-2000, played in 2022-23) played for Leonas de Ponce in Puerto Rican BSNF few monts ago
Carmen Tyson-Thomas (5'9''-F/C-1991, played in 2009-13) plays for ToPo in Finnish Korisliiga
Asia Strong (6'2''-F-2000, played in 2022-23) plays for Al Ahly in Egyptian Superleague
Tiana Mangakahia (5'6''-PG-1995, played in 2017-19) played for Southern Districts Spartans in Australian NBL One last year
Alaina Rice (5'8''-G-2002, played in 2021-24) plays for Bihorel in French LF2
Gabby Cooper (5'10''-G, played in 2016-20) plays for Correcaminos in Mexican LNBPF

Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Syracuse University basketball alumni.