Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Rams alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
Especially interesting is good performance of Kuany Kuany (22 points), Jonathan Williams (16 points), and Marcus Evans (30 points).
#1. South Sudanese basketball player Kuany Kuany, standing at 6'11'' and 26 years old, graduated from VCU in 2024 and played a pivotal role in helping his team reach the final of the Atlantic 10 Tournament that year. Currently playing professionally in Morocco, Kuany showcased his talent in a recent game where FUS Rabat secured a thrilling 99-98 victory against the league-leading Tigers with a one-point difference. In this intense match of the Basketball Africa League, Kuany delivered a standout performance by achieving a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, along with contributing 3 assists in 33 minutes of play. Impressively, this remarkable display came in only his second season in professional basketball. The game between FUS Rabat and the Tigers, both top 4 ranked teams, was highly anticipated and Kuany's stellar performance proved to be instrumental in leading his team to victory and ultimately being crowned the champions. Throughout the season, Kuany has maintained solid statistics, averaging 14.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in the seven games he has participated in so far. Notably, in addition to his South Sudanese background, Kuany also holds Australian citizenship.
#2. Jonathan Williams, a 29-year-old guard standing at 6'1'' and an alumnus of the Rams from 2018, showcased his prowess as a champion player in the Swiss Basketball League. Playing professionally in Switzerland, he played a crucial role in Fribourg's narrow 87-84 victory over the closely-ranked Geneve team, boasting a record of 19-5. Williams impressively scored 16 points, made 6 assists, and played for 33 minutes in the intense match, which was considered the highlight of the round between the top 4 teams. Fribourg Olympic, currently leading the league with a record of 23-1, has been on a winning streak with this victory marking their 13th consecutive triumph. Williams' stellar performance on the court, including 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists against Geneve, significantly contributed to his team's success. His all-around skills as a finalist player were on full display, emphasizing his importance in securing the crucial win. Throughout the season, Williams has maintained solid averages of 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game over the span of 24 games played so far. His consistent contribution and impactful presence make him a valuable asset and a key figure in his team's pursuit of success in the league.
#3. Marcus Evans, a 29-year-old guard standing at 6'2'' and a VCU graduate, showcased his basketball prowess in a recent game for Targu Jiu in the Romanian Liga Nationala Baschet de Masculin. Facing off against Galati, one of the league's weakest teams, Evans led his team to a convincing 90-75 victory. His stellar performance earned him the title of MVP of the game, as he scored an impressive 30 points and contributed 5 assists during his 39 minutes on the court. This standout display highlighted Evans' skill and leadership, underscoring his status as a true champion. Despite Targu Jiu's placement as 14th in the league with a record of 4-24, Evans' remarkable individual performance throughout the season has not gone unnoticed. With impressive averages of 20.6 points per game (ranking second best in the league), 3.8 rebounds per game, and 3.6 assists per game over 32 matches, Evans has consistently demonstrated his talent and commitment to excellence on the court. His dedication and skill have undoubtedly contributed to his team's success, solidifying his reputation as a standout player and a true champion in the league.
#4. Phillip Russell, a 27-year-old point guard standing at 5'10'' and an alumnus of Rams from 2025, played a crucial role in helping his team win the Atlantic 10 Regular Season Co-Champion title that year. Currently playing professionally in Germany, Russell recently led Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim to a remarkable victory over the closely-ranked 46ers in the German BARMER 2. Basketball Bundesliga ProA last Saturday. In this intense match, Russell's outstanding performance earned him the title of MVP, as he scored 25 points, made 8 assists, and played for 33 minutes. This impressive display is even more noteworthy considering it is only his first season in professional basketball. Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim, with a record of 20-14, currently holds the sixth position in the league standings, with Russell making a significant impact in his rookie year with the team. Against the Giessen 46ers, Russell showcased his talent by scoring 25 points, securing 3 rebounds, and distributing 8 assists, ultimately leading his team to victory. His consistent contribution throughout the season is evident in his solid statistics, averaging 14.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game across 39 games. Russell's skills and determination on the court have been instrumental in his team's success, highlighting his potential as a true champion in the making.
#5. Brandon Johns Jr., a 26-year-old forward standing at 6'8'' who graduated from VCU in 2023 after helping them secure the Atlantic 10 Regular Season Champion title that year, currently plays professionally in Portugal. In Sporting's recent match against the lower-ranked FC Porto (#3), Johns Jr. was unable to lead his team to victory, despite his commendable performance. He emerged as the second-highest scorer for Sporting, contributing 12 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in 26 minutes of play. Even though he displayed an impressive performance, including 2 assists, Sporting suffered a defeat at home, falling 70-81 to FC Porto. Throughout the season, Johns Jr. has maintained solid statistics, averaging 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game across 26 appearances.
Other former Virginia Commonwealth University players, who play in pro basketball:
Max Shulga (6'5''-G-2002, played in 2023-25) plays for Boston Celtics in the NBA
Vince Williams Jr. (6'5''-G-2000, played in 2018-22) plays for Utah Jazz in the NBA
Bones Hyland (6'3''-G-2000, played in 2019-21) plays for Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA
Briante Weber (6'2''-PG-1992, played in 2011-15) plays for Treviso in Italian Serie A
Michael Gilmore (6'10''-F-1995, played in 2018-19) plays for Titan Ultra Giant Risers in Filipino PBA
JeQuan Lewis (6'1''-PG-1994, played in 2013-17) plays for Igokea in Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I
David Shriver (6'6''-G/F-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Argentino in Argentinian La Liga
Zeb Jackson (6'4''-G-2001, played in 2022-25) plays for Val-Dieu Spirou Basket Charleroi in Belgian Pro Basketball League
Issac Vann (6'6''-F-1995, played in 2016-16) played for CSM Steaua Bucuresti in Romanian Liga Nationala few monts ago
Justin Tillman (6'8''-F-1996, played in 2014-18) plays for Sabah in Azerbaijani ABL
Larry Sanders (6'11''-F-1988, played in 2007-10) played for Sameji in Dominican Rep. Santiago League last year
KeShawn Curry (6'5''-G-1998, played in 2018-22) plays for Mestre in Italian Serie A2
Melvin Johnson (6'4''-G-1993, played in 2012-22) plays for UniFacisa Paraiba in Brazilian NBB
Sean Bairstow (6'8''-G/F-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Auckland Tuatara in New Zealand NBL
Treveon Graham (6'6''-G-1993, played in 2011-15) plays for Taoyuan Pilots in Taiwanese PLeague+
Jack Clark (6'10''-F-2000, played in 2024-25) plays for Heroes in Dominican Rep. LNB
Juvonte Reddic (6'9''-C/F-1992, played in 2010-14) plays for Spartans in Venezuelan SPB
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Virginia Commonwealth University basketball alumni.
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