Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Lions alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. German player Peter Hemschemeier, a 6'5'' guard who recently graduated from Southeastern Louisiana in 2026, showcased his skills as a professional player in Germany by making a significant impact in Eisbaeren Bremerhaven's recent victory over the league-leading Phoenix Hagen. In the intense matchup between the two top 4 ranked teams in the German BARMER 2. Basketball Bundesliga ProA, Hemschemeier contributed 8 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists during the game, which lasted 17 minutes. This standout performance helped Eisbaeren Bremerhaven secure an 87-80 victory, positioning them well in the league standings as the finalist. Despite it being Hemschemeier's first season with the team, his presence on the court has been notable. With an average of 3.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in the 14 games he has played this season, he has proven to be a valuable asset to his team. His performance in the game against Phoenix Hagen demonstrated his ability to step up in crucial moments and contribute to his team's success, ultimately aiding Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in emerging as the champion of the match.
#2. Eddy Polanco, a 6'4'' point guard aged 31 and a Lions alum from 2018, played a crucial role in helping his team achieve the title of Southland Conference Regular Season Co-Champion that year. Currently playing professionally in Spain, Polanco showcased his skills for Alicante but was unable to lead them to victory against Estudiantes in the Spanish Primera FEB, the second division of Spanish basketball. Despite his best efforts, Polanco's team suffered a tough loss at home against Estudiantes, who are ranked fourth in the league. In the game, Polanco displayed his talent by scoring 6 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and providing 4 assists in just 17 minutes of play. Unfortunately, Alicante suffered their third consecutive defeat in the season. Throughout the year, Polanco has maintained solid statistics, averaging 10.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in the 22 games he has played. It is worth noting that Polanco is a naturalized Dominican, adding an international dimension to his basketball career.
#3. Venezuelan point guard Carlos Paez, standing at 5'11'' and 26 years old, showcased his skills in a recent game for Brillantes de Zulia in the Venezuelan Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto. Paez, a graduate of SE Louisiana in 2025, received the prestigious Latinbasket.com All-Venezuelan SPB Rookie of the Year award in his debut season as a professional player. In a thrilling match against the league-leading Gaiteros, Paez played a crucial role in Brillantes' unexpected 82-80 victory. Scoring 17 points, including a flawless 7-for-7 performance from the free-throw line, in just 27 minutes of play, Paez displayed remarkable talent and composure on the court. This standout performance is particularly impressive considering it is his first season in professional basketball. Paez's contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also secured 3 rebounds and provided 2 assists, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the game. With this win, Brillantes de Zulia secured their third consecutive victory and currently holds the eighth position in the league standings. Maintaining an average of 10.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in the 27 games he has played this season, Paez has proven to be a valuable asset for his team. His exceptional performance against Gaiteros solidified his reputation as a true champion on the court and a rising star in the league.
#4. British champion Jonathan Komagum, a 27-year-old 6'9'' forward/center and 2023 Lions alumnus, played a crucial role in helping his team secure the British BBL Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently playing professionally in Uganda for City Oilers Kampala, Komagum recently played a significant part in their victory against the eighth-ranked Jaguars with a score of 59-53 in a derby game in the Ugandan National Basketball League. Despite recording modest statistics of 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 16 minutes of play, Komagum's impact on the game was undeniable. City Oilers Kampala, currently topping the league with a 17-2 record, are in a strong position as they head towards the final stages of the Regular Season, with only four games remaining. In the recent game against the Jaguars, Komagum showcased his skills, contributing 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, proving instrumental in leading his team to victory as the champion of the game. With an average of 4.5 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game in the four games he has played this year, Komagum continues to be a key player for City Oilers Kampala. It is also interesting to note that Komagum holds dual American and British citizenship, allowing him the flexibility to play in the United Kingdom as a domestic player, showcasing his versatility and potential to excel in various basketball leagues.
#5. Keon Clergeot, a 6'1'' guard who is 29 years old and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana in 2022, currently competes professionally in Lebanon. Recently, he played a crucial role in leading his team, Batroun, to a significant 92-80 victory over Maristes, one of the weaker teams in the Lebanese Decathlon Lebanese Basketball League. In this game, Clergeot displayed exceptional skills and was named the MVP after scoring 22 points, securing 7 rebounds, and providing 8 assists during his 39 minutes on the court. This remarkable performance marked his debut game for Batroun this season. Despite Clergeot's stellar performance, his team is currently positioned in ninth place in the league standings. With only two games remaining in the Regular Season, each upcoming match will be pivotal for Batroun's standings. Clergeot's prowess as a champion player was truly evident in his exceptional contributions towards securing victory for his team against Maristes, showcasing his talent and determination on the court.
Other former Southeastern Louisiana University players, who play in pro basketball:
Devonte Upson (6'9''-C-1993, played in 2013-15) plays for Karditsas in Greek GBL
Sam Hines Jr. (6'6''-G-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Energa Icon Sea Czarni Slupsk in Polish OBL
Ubongabasi Etim (6'9''-F, played in 2025-26) plays for Puente Alto in Chilean LNB
Moses Greenwood (6'7''-F-1997, played in 2015-19) plays for Hyeres-Toulon in French ProB
Nick Caldwell (6'7''-G/F-2000, played in 2019-24) plays for Ovarense in Portuguese Liga Betclic
Marlain Veal (5'9''-PG-1996, played in 2015-19) plays for Final Spor in Turkish TBL
Roger McFarlane (6'5''-G-2002, played in 2021-24) plays for Kouvot in Finnish Korisliiga
Keith Charleston (6'8''-PF-1995, played in 2015-16) played for Barsy Atyrau in Kazakhstan National League few monts ago
Max Brackmann (7'2''-C-2000, played in 2019-25) plays for VfL SparkassenStars Bochum in German ProA
Matthew Strange (5'11''-PG-1998, played in 2020-23) plays for VfL SparkassenStars Bochum in German ProA
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Southeastern Louisiana University basketball alumni.
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