Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Wolverines players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Eli Brooks, a 6'1''-G 27-year-old who graduated from Michigan in 2022 and received the All-Big Ten Honorable Mention award that year, currently plays professionally in Spain. Recently, he showcased his skills as a major contributor in BAXI Manresa's triumph over the 15th-ranked Gran Canaria with a score of 87-80 in the Spanish Liga Endesa on Saturday night. In this game, he demonstrated his prowess by scoring 14 points in just 21 minutes of play. BAXI Manresa, currently positioned 11th in the league with a record of 15-18, has been on a winning streak with three consecutive victories, all thanks to Brooks' impactful performances. With only one more game left in the Regular Season, the upcoming match holds significant importance for the team's playoff aspirations. Despite this being Brooks' debut season with the team, he has quickly established himself as a key player. His standout performance against Gran Canaria, where he not only scored 14 points but also secured 3 rebounds and provided 1 assist, was instrumental in leading his team to victory, ultimately crowning them as the champions of the game. Throughout the season, Brooks has maintained solid averages of 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. It is worth noting that he is a naturalized Irish player, adding a unique aspect to his professional basketball career in Spain.
#2. D.J. Wilson, a 30-year-old forward standing at 6'10'' and an alumnus of the Wolverines from 2017, is currently showcasing his skills playing professionally in Puerto Rico. Recently, he led Cangrejeros de Santurce to a thrilling 92-87 victory against the sixth-ranked Osos with an impressive performance on the court. In the game, Wilson displayed his versatility by recording a double-double, scoring 16 points, pulling down 10 rebounds, and contributing 4 assists in 35 minutes of play. This stellar performance not only contributed to his team's win but also highlighted his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Currently, Cangrejeros de Santurce holds the fifth position in Group B, with Wilson's leadership playing a significant role in their recent success. The victory against Manati marked his team's fourth consecutive win, showcasing the positive impact Wilson has had on their performance. With an average of 11.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this season, Wilson has been a consistent and valuable asset for his team. His exceptional performance against Manati solidified his position as the champion of the game, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory.
#3. Canadian Ignas Brazdeikis, a 6'7'' guard/forward who graduated from Michigan in 2019 and received the All-Big Ten Freshman of the Year award, is currently playing professionally in Lithuania. In a recent game, he helped Zalgiris Kaunas, the league's top team with a record of 31-1, secure a 90-75 victory over Jonava, one of the league's weaker teams with a record of 9-23. Even though Brazdeikis only scored 4 points in 14 minutes of play, his contribution was essential to his team's success. Brazdeikis' performance included scoring 4 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and providing 1 assist against Jonava. This added to his season averages of 8.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Notably, this win marked Zalgiris Kaunas' 27th consecutive victory, showcasing the team's dominance in the league. It is interesting to note that Brazdeikis holds both American and Canadian citizenship, allowing him to play in Canada as a domestic player. His versatility and skills on the court make him a valuable asset to his team as they strive to maintain their position as champions in the league.
#4. Brandon Johns Jr., a 6'8'' forward and Rams alumnus from 2023, showcased his skills in a recent game for Sporting in Portugal. Despite his solid performance, Sporting, with a record of 17-5, fell 81-70 to FC Porto, who is ranked third in the league. Johns Jr. was the team's second-leading scorer with 12 points and also contributed 4 rebounds in 26 minutes of play. This season marks Johns Jr.'s debut with the team, and he has been putting up impressive numbers with averages of 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. In the match against FC Porto, Johns Jr. displayed his talent by scoring 12 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists, yet his team was unable to secure the victory.
#5. Derrick Walton Jr., a 6'1'' guard who is 31 years old and graduated from Michigan in 2017, is currently playing professionally in Puerto Rico. Recently, he showcased his skills by aiding Capitanes de Arecibo to a 95-85 victory over the fourth-ranked Indios. Despite scoring only 2 points, Walton Jr. stood out by grabbing 4 rebounds and delivering an impressive 15 assists during his 33 minutes on the court. This stellar performance helped Capitanes de Arecibo, currently placed second in Group A with a record of 14-5, secure a crucial win in the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional. In another notable game against Mayaguez, Walton Jr. once again proved his worth by contributing 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 15 assists to lead his team to victory. His exceptional play was pivotal in securing success for his team, ultimately resulting in him being named the champion of the game. Throughout the season, Walton Jr. has maintained strong statistics, averaging 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
#6. DeVante Jones, a 6'0'' point guard and 28-year-old alum of the Wolverines from 2022, currently playing professionally in Italy, recently faced a tough challenge against Virtus Bologna while representing Dolomiti Energia Trentino. Despite his best efforts, Jones and his team fell short in a 106-95 defeat. In the game, Jones managed to contribute 3 points and 3 assists in just 13 minutes of play. Although the game may not be remembered as one of his best performances, Jones showcased his champion spirit on the court by giving his all against a formidable opponent like Virtus Bologna. His season statistics reflect his consistent contributions this season, with averages of 10.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Even in the face of defeat, Jones continues to demonstrate his skill and determination as a finalist player.
#7. Experienced champion Trey Burke, a 6'0'' point guard who is 33 years old and graduated from Michigan in 2013, currently plays professionally in Mexico. In a recent game, Burke's team, Astros de Jalisco (38-2), suffered a 94-86 loss on the road to the lower-ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (#7). Despite his outstanding performance, where he scored 27 points and contributed 4 assists in 37 minutes of play, the league-leading Astros were unable to secure the victory. Burke showcased his skills against Culiacan by not only scoring 27 points but also grabbing 2 rebounds and distributing 4 assists. Despite his individual success, his team ultimately fell short in the game. Throughout the season, Burke has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 17.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game as a finalist.
Other former University of Michigan players, who play in pro basketball:
Tray Jackson (6'10''-F-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Beirut Club in Lebanese DLBL
Vladislav Goldin (7'1''-C-2001, played in 2024-25) plays for Miami Heat in the NBA
Jordan Poole (6'4''-SG-1999, played in 2017-19) plays for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA
Moussa Diabate (6'10''-F-2002, played in 2021-22) plays for Charlotte Hornets in the NBA
Isaiah Livers (6'7''-PF-1998, played in 2017-21) plays for Phoenix Suns in the NBA
Tim Hardaway Jr. (6'5''-G-1992, played in 2010-13) plays for Denver Nuggets in the NBA
Caris LeVert (6'7''-G-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Detroit Pistons in the NBA
Danny Wolf (7'0''-F-2004, played in 2024-25) plays for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA
Caleb Houstan (6'8''-G-2003, played in 2022-22) plays for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
Duncan Robinson (6'8''-F-1994, played in 2014-14) plays for Detroit Pistons in the NBA
Moritz Wagner (6'11''-F/C-1997, played in 2015-18) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Franz Wagner (6'10''-F-2001, played in 2019-21) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Jett Howard (6'7''-G-2003) plays for Orlando Magic in the NBA
Kobe Bufkin (6'4''-G-2003, played in 2021-23) plays for Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA
Mike Smith (5'11''-PG-1997, played in 2020-21) plays for Bursaspor Basketbol in Turkish BSL
Chaundee Brown Jr. (6'5''-G-1998, played in 2020-21) plays for London Lions in British SLB
Olivier Nkamhoua (6'8''-F-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for Itelyum Varese in Italian Serie A
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (6'5''-G-1994, played in 2014-18) plays for Treviso in Italian Serie A
Zak Irvin (6'6''-G/F-1994, played in 2013-17) plays for Manchester Basketball in British SLB
Jordan Morgan (6'9''-C-1991, played in 2009-14) played for Suwon KT Sonicboom in South Korean KBL few monts ago
Joey Baker (6'7''-G/F-2000, played in 2022-23) plays for Borac ZM in Serbian KLS
Glenn Robinson III (6'6''-F-1994, played in 2012-14) plays for Al Sharjah in UAE ULB
Zavier Simpson (6'0''-PG-1997, played in 2016-20) plays for Ningbo Rockets in Chinese CBA
Rubin Jones (6'5''-G, played in 2024-25) plays for Slavia in Czech Republic NBL
Charles Matthews (6'6''-G/F-1996, played in 2016-16) plays for Al Wehdat in Jordanian Premier League
Manny Harris (6'6''-SG-1989, played in 2007-10) played for Al Riyadi in Lebanese DLBL last year
Will Tschetter (6'8''-F-2003, played in 2021-26) plays for Warwick Senators in Australian NBL One
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of Michigan basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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