Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Eagles alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Australian Xavier Cooks, a 30-year-old 6'8'' forward who graduated from Winthrop in 2018, currently showcases his skills as a professional player in Puerto Rico. In a recent game, he displayed exceptional talent as he led Vaqueros de Bayamon to a thrilling 82-80 victory over the sixth-ranked Cangrejeros. Cooks, recognized as the MVP of the game, delivered a remarkable performance by scoring 19 points, securing 14 rebounds, and contributing 2 crucial blocks in just 26 minutes of play. Moreover, Cooks continued to shine in another game against Santurce, where he once again showcased his prowess by scoring 19 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and providing 1 assist, ultimately leading his team to another victory. Eurobasket.com honored Cooks with the prestigious Triple-Double Badge for his outstanding performance, solidifying his position as a champion player. With Vaqueros de Bayamon currently topping Group B with a record of 12-8, Cooks has been instrumental in their success this season. His impressive individual statistics speak volumes about his impact on the team, averaging 16.4 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, 1.8 assists per game, and 1.2 blocks per game, which ranks him as the second-best shot blocker in the league. Cooks' consistent excellence on the court demonstrates his unwavering commitment to achieving greatness as a finalist player.
#2. Nick Johnson, a 6'4'' guard and Eagles alumnus from 2025, made a significant impact during the Big South Conference Tournament that year, helping his team reach the final. Currently playing professionally in the Czech Republic, Johnson showcased his skills as he led Usti nad Labem to a notable victory over the fifth-ranked Opava with a score of 87-72 in the Czech Republic Maxa NBL. In this game, Johnson's exceptional performance earned him the title of MVP, as he impressively scored 28 points and blocked 3 shots in 35 minutes of play. This remarkable display of talent is especially noteworthy considering it is only Johnson's first season in professional basketball. Playing for SLUNETA Usti nad Labem, who currently hold the fourth position in the Places 1-8 group with a record of 21-15, it is evident that Johnson has made a significant impact since joining the team. His outstanding performance against Opava, where he contributed 28 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, was instrumental in securing a crucial win for his team. Johnson's consistent excellence on the court truly exemplifies why he is a champion. Throughout the season, Johnson has maintained impressive individual statistics, averaging 16.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His strong contributions have undoubtedly played a vital role in his team's success, further solidifying his reputation as a standout player and a finalist.
#3. Kelton Talford, a towering 6'7'' forward who graduated from Winthrop in 2025 and received the prestigious All-Big South Conference First Team award that same year, is currently showcasing his talent as a professional basketball player in Belgium. In a recent BNXT League game, Talford led his Belgian team, Stella Artois Leuven Bears, to a remarkable victory over the closely-ranked Zwolle with a score of 69-61 on Wednesday night. Talford's exceptional performance earned him the MVP title of the game, as he contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist in just 32 minutes of play. Despite it being Talford's inaugural season in professional basketball, he displayed remarkable skill and composure on the court, demonstrating his potential as a future champion in the league. Stella Artois Leuven Bears, currently ranked 12th in the league with a record of 15-19, benefited greatly from Talford's stellar performance, helping them secure a crucial win over Zwolle. Talford's impressive statistics this season, averaging 13.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, highlight his versatility and impact on the team. With his standout performance and contributions to his team's success, Kelton Talford has proven himself to be a rising star in the professional basketball scene, showcasing the skills and determination that make him a formidable finalist in any game he plays.
#4. Italian champion Michael Anumba, a 6'4'' guard and 26-year-old Eagles alum from 2024, who currently plays professionally in Italy, unfortunately could not lead Puglia (12-25) to victory in their recent game. Despite his stellar performance, Puglia fell short by a narrow margin of 79-78 on the road against the lower-ranked Pistoia (#18). Anumba stood out as the top scorer, contributing 22 points along with 7 rebounds and 3 assists in just 29 minutes of play. This marked an exceptional display of his skills on the court. The Play-Out Round has already concluded, and this season marks Anumba's debut with the team. Throughout the season, Anumba has maintained an average of 5.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
Other former Winthrop University players, who play in pro basketball:
Hunter Hale (6'4''-G-1997, played in 2019-20) plays for Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul in Turkish BSL
Drew Buggs (6'3''-G-1997, played in 2021-22) plays for Zonkeys de Tijuana in Mexican CIBACOPA
Kasen Harrison (6'2''-G, played in 2022-25) plays for Apollon in Cypriot ECOMMBX BL
Andre Jones (6'3''-G-1990, played in 2008-12) plays for Ploiesti CSM in Romanian Liga Nationala
K.J. Doucet (6'7''-F, played in 2023-25) plays for KR in Icelandic Subway League
Josh Ferguson (6'8''-PF-1996, played in 2016-20) plays for AB Contern in Luxembourg LBBL
Jarad Scott (6'8''-PF -1995, played in 2013-16) plays for Pelican BF in Bahamas GBBA
Joshua Davenport (6'5''-F-1994, played in 2013-17) played for Cincinnati Warriors in the TBL few monts ago
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Winthrop University basketball alumni.
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