Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Blue Demons alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
Especially interesting is good performance of Umoja Gibson (18 points), Tre McCallum (30 points), and Cleveland Melvin (12 points).
#1. Umoja Gibson, a 6'1'' point guard aged 27 and a DePaul graduate from the class of 2023, is currently showcasing his skills playing professionally in Slovenia. In a recent game, he played a pivotal role in Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana's remarkable triumph over the third-ranked Sencur Gorenjska Kranj, with a dominant scoreline of 94-65 in the Slovenian Liga OTP banka. Gibson's standout performance included scoring 18 points, securing 4 rebounds, and delivering 9 assists, all while maintaining a perfect 6-for-6 record from the free-throw line, in just 26 minutes of play. This exceptional display of talent is particularly impressive considering that Gibson is only in his third season of professional basketball. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana currently finds itself at the bottom of their group standings, but Gibson's contributions are undoubtedly making a significant impact on the team's performance this season. It is his first year with the team, and his stellar performance against Sencur Gor solidified his position as a true champion on the court. Gibson's individual statistics for the season are equally impressive, averaging 18.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in the five games he has played so far. His consistent high-level performance is a testament to his skills and determination as a player.
#2. In the recent game, the champion, Tre McCallum, a 30-year-old 6'7''-F and Blue Demons alumnus from 2018 who currently plays professionally in Mexico, unfortunately couldn't lead Caballeros de Culiacan to victory. Despite his outstanding performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in 37 minutes, Culiacan was narrowly defeated 105-103 on the road by the leading Astros. McCallum showcased his skills as a top scorer, but his team fell short against their opponents. Throughout the season, McCallum has consistently delivered impressive stats, averaging 16.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game across 30 appearances. Despite the challenging loss in the last game, McCallum's individual performance highlights his strong contributions to the team.
#3. Experienced Cleveland Melvin, a 34-year-old forward standing at 6'8'' and a DePaul graduate from 2014, currently playing professionally in Greece, was unable to lead PAOK (17-7) to victory in their recent game. Despite his commendable performance, PAOK suffered a 102-114 defeat in Athens against the second-ranked Panathinaikos. During the game, Melvin showcased his skills by contributing 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 32 minutes of play. His efforts were noteworthy, but unfortunately, his team was unable to secure the win against Panathinaikos. Throughout the season, Melvin has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game across 24 appearances. His consistent performance on the court highlights his value as a key player for PAOK as they strive to compete against top teams in the league.
#4. Max Strus, a 6'6'' guard and 30-year-old Blue Demons alumnus from the class of 2019, was a key player who helped his college team reach the CBI Championship Finalist in that year. Nowadays, he is making a name for himself in the NBA, currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a recent game against the New York Knicks in the Big Apple, despite Strus' commendable effort, the Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30) fell short, losing 108-121. Strus showcased his skills by scoring 13 points, securing 7 rebounds, and distributing 6 assists in 32 minutes of play. Throughout the season, Strus has maintained solid statistics, averaging 10.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in the 30 games he has played. Despite the loss against the Knicks, Strus continues to demonstrate his value on the court with his consistent contributions to the team.
#5. Canadian Nick Ongenda, a 25-year-old center standing at 6'11'' who graduated from DePaul in 2023 and currently plays professionally in Israel, showcased his skills in the recent game but couldn't prevent his team, H. Gilboa Galil, from being narrowly defeated 77-75 at home by the higher-ranked (#3) Hapoel Jerusalem. Despite Ongenda's impressive double-double performance of 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 29 minutes, his team suffered its sixth consecutive loss. With only two games remaining in the Regular Season, each upcoming match becomes crucial for H. Gilboa Galil. This season marks Ongenda's debut with the team, and in his latest game against Hapoel Jerusalem, he exhibited an outstanding performance by scoring 13 points and securing 11 rebounds. Despite his exceptional efforts, the team couldn't secure a victory. Ongenda's remarkable performance earned him the Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com, highlighting his prowess as a true champion. Throughout this season, Ongenda has maintained an average of 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and a league-leading 2.2 blocks per game across 13 games.
#6. Isaiah Rivera, a 6'5'' guard and Blue Demons alumni from 2025, showcased his skills in the recent game as his team, the Titanes, secured a narrow 76-74 victory against the Marineros in the Dominican Republic Liga Nacional de Baloncesto. Rivera played a pivotal role, contributing 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 15 minutes of gameplay. His noteworthy performance not only helped his team emerge victorious but also highlighted his capabilities on the court, solidifying his status as a champion. Throughout the season, Rivera has been maintaining an impressive average of 8.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in the four games played so far.
#7. Javon Freeman-Liberty, a 6'3'' guard who recently graduated from DePaul University in 2022, is currently playing professionally in Canada. He showcased his exceptional skills by leading the Montreal Alliance to a 96-87 victory over the Blackjacks in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. In this game, Freeman-Liberty was named the MVP after an outstanding performance where he scored an impressive 32 points, secured 9 rebounds, and provided 3 assists in just 32 minutes of play. His remarkable display of talent and leadership on the court played a pivotal role in his team's success, solidifying his reputation as a true champion. Throughout the season, Freeman-Liberty has consistently delivered exceptional performances, averaging an impressive 21.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game over five games. His remarkable contributions and high-level statistics further underline his status as a standout player and a formidable finalist in the league.
#8. Javan Johnson, a 6'6'' forward and 27-year-old Blue Demons alumni from 2023, currently playing professionally in Canada, exhibited his exceptional talent on the court last Thursday. In a thrilling match, Johnson led the Scarborough Shooting Stars to a narrow 2-point victory over the Surge with a final score of 106-104 in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. During the game, Johnson delivered an outstanding performance, contributing 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 38 minutes of play. His remarkable display of skill and determination was instrumental in securing the crucial win for his team. Johnson's prowess as a champion player was evident as he showcased his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and playmaking skills throughout the game. Throughout the season, Johnson has consistently performed at a high level, averaging impressive stats of 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game over four games. His strong individual contributions have been vital to the success of the Scarborough Shooting Stars, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and impactful finalist in the league.
Other former De Paul University players, who play in pro basketball:
Brandon Johnson (6'8''-PF-1997, played in 2021-22) played for Paulistano/Corpore Sao Paolo in Brazilian NBB few monts ago
Paul Reed Jr. (6'9''-F-1999, played in 2017-20) plays for Detroit Pistons in the NBA
Chico Carter Jr. (6'3''-G-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Energa Icon Sea Czarni Slupsk in Polish OBL
Eral Penn (6'7''-F-1998, played in 2022-23) plays for Energa Icon Sea Czarni Slupsk in Polish OBL
Devin Gage (6'2''-G-1997, played in 2016-20) plays for Venados de Mazatlan in Mexican CIBACOPA
Troy D'Amico (6'7''-F-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for B.Braun Sheffield Sharks in British SLB
Brendan Favre (6'5''-G/F-1999, played in 2019-23) plays for Union NE in Swiss SBL
Aleksandar Marcius (6'10''-C-1990, played in 2013-14) plays for Treviglio in Italian Serie B Nazionale
Yor Anei (6'10''-F-1999, played in 2021-23) plays for Vellaznimi in Kosovan Superliga
Billy Garrett (6'6''-SG-1994, played in 2013-17) plays for Juvi Cremona in Italian Serie A2
Marin Maric (6'11''-C-1994, played in 2017-18) plays for Hsinchu Lioneers in Taiwanese TPBL
Brandon Young (6'4''-G-1991, played in 2010-14) plays for Shandong in Chinese NBL
Elijah Cain (6'6''-G-1996, played in 2015-19) plays for San Diego Clippers in the NBA G League
Dar Tucker (6'5''-SG-1988, played in 2007-09) played for Hsinchu Lioneers in Taiwanese TPBL last year
Romeo Weems (6'7''-F-2001, played in 2019-21) plays for Rip City Remix in the NBA G League
CJ Gunn (6'7''-G-2004, played in 2024-26) plays for Calgary Surge in CEBL
Femi Olujobi (6'9''-C/F-1996, played in 2018-19) plays for New Taipei Kings in Taiwanese TPBL
Myke Henry (6'6''-F-1992, played in 2013-16) plays for Brillantes in Venezuelan SPB
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of De Paul University basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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