Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Hilltoppers alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
Especially interesting is good performance of Taveion Hollingsworth (28 points), Japeth Aguilar (14 points), and Justin Johnson (12 points).
#1. Taveion Hollingsworth, a 6'2'' guard who graduated from WKU in 2021 and helped them become the C-USA East Division Regular Season Champion that year, is currently playing professionally in Cyprus for AEK Larnaca. Recently, he showcased his talent by leading his team to a thrilling 68-64 victory over the closely-ranked Keravnos in the Cypriot ECOMMBX Basket League. During this game, Hollingsworth was named the MVP after an exceptional performance where he scored an impressive 28 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists in 35 minutes of play. The game between AEK Larnaca and Keravnos was highly anticipated as both teams are among the top 4 ranked teams in the league. With this victory, AEK Larnaca, with a record of 22-1, solidified their position at the top of the league standings, marking their fifth consecutive win. Hollingsworth's exceptional contributions on the court not only secured the win for his team but also highlighted his status as a true champion. Individually, Hollingsworth has been having an outstanding year with impressive statistics. In the 32 games he has played so far, he is averaging 18.3 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, 4.3 assists per game, and 1.9 steals per game, which ranks him as the third-best in the league in steals. Hollingsworth's consistent high-level performance throughout the season further cements his reputation as a top-tier player and a true finalist.
#2. Experienced Filipino player Japeth Aguilar, a 6'9'' center who is 39 years old and an alumnus of Hilltoppers since 2009, played a crucial role in helping his team win the Sun Belt East Division Regular Season Champion title that year. Aguilar, who now competes professionally in the Philippines, recently led Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings to a significant victory against the closely-ranked Painters, with a score of 109-101, in a highly anticipated derby game in the Filipino Philippine Basketball Association last Friday. During the game, Aguilar showcased his skills by achieving a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while also contributing 3 assists in just 25 minutes of play. This performance was especially notable as it took place between two of the top 4 ranked teams in the league, with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings holding the second position with a record of 9-3. This marks Aguilar's 13th season with the team, and his consistency and leadership were evident in the recent match against Rain or Shine. By scoring 14 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and providing 3 assists, Aguilar played a pivotal role in securing the victory for his team. His exceptional performance even earned him the prestigious Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com, solidifying his reputation as a champion on the court. Throughout this season, Aguilar has maintained an average of 8.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game across 11 games, further demonstrating his value to the team as they strive for success in the league.
#3. Justin Johnson, a 6'7'' power forward aged 30, is a standout basketball player who graduated from WKU in 2018 and received the prestigious All-C-USA First Team award that year. Currently playing professionally in Italy, Johnson recently led his team, Verona, to a decisive 86-73 victory over the closely-ranked Fortitudo BO in the Italian Serie A2, the second division of Italian basketball. In a highly anticipated matchup between two top 4 ranked teams, Johnson's Tezenis Scaligera Verona emerged victorious, securing their fourth consecutive win. During the game, Johnson displayed his exceptional skills by contributing 12 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and providing 3 assists in just 29 minutes of play. His stellar performance was pivotal in securing the win for his team, solidifying his reputation as a true champion on the basketball court. With an impressive season average of 9.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game across 31 games, Johnson continues to be a key player for his team, consistently delivering strong performances and demonstrating his prowess as a basketball finalist.
#4. Mitchell Robinson, a 7'1'' center/forward and a 28-year-old alumni of Hilltoppers from 2018, currently playing professionally in the NBA, played a pivotal role in the New York Knicks' recent dominant victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a final score of 130-93 last Monday. Robinson's impressive performance included scoring 8 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play. The New York Knicks, with a rather weak 54-29 record this season, have been on the rise lately, securing their fifth consecutive victory with Robinson's help. This marks Robinson's eighth year with the team, and his experience and skills were evident in his stellar contributions on the court. Robinson's statistics for this season showcase his valuable presence on the team, averaging 5.6 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game, and 1.1 blocks per game in 74 games played. His consistent performance and dedication to the game have solidified his reputation as a true champion and finalist.
#5. Darius Thompson, a 6'4'' point guard who graduated from WKU in 2018 and received the All-C-USA Second Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Spain. Despite his efforts, Thompson was unable to help Valencia Basket (25-13) secure a victory over Real Madrid (24-14) in the Euroleague. The game against Real Madrid, where he only scored 3 points in 14 minutes, cannot be considered one of his best performances. In the match against the lower-ranked (#3) Real Madrid, Valencia Basket suffered a 90-105 defeat on the road. Thompson contributed 3 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist, but it wasn't enough to lead his team to victory against the champions. Despite the loss, Thompson continues to showcase his skills this season, averaging 9.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 44 games. It's worth noting that Thompson is a naturalized American player, bringing his talent to the professional basketball scene in Spain.
#6. South Sudanese champion Emmanuel Akot, a 6'8'' forward who is 27 years old and an alum of Hilltoppers from 2023, currently plays professionally in Canada. In a recent game, Akot could not help the Winnipeg Sea Bears (3-2) secure a victory as they lost 92-96 to the Hamilton Honey Badgers, despite his notable performance. The Winnipeg team, ranked #2, fell short in the match. During the game, Akot showcased his skills by scoring 17 points and providing 3 assists in 37 minutes of play. In a previous game against Brampton, he also displayed a strong performance with 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. However, despite his contributions, his team was unable to clinch the win. Throughout this season, Akot has maintained solid statistics, averaging 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game over five matches. It is notable that Akot holds dual American and South Sudanese citizenship, allowing him to play in South Sudan as a domestic player.
Other former Western Kentucky University players, who play in pro basketball:
Nemanja Milosevic (6'9''-PF-1987, played in 2018-22) plays for Hoops in Lebanese DLBL
A.J. Slaughter (6'3''-SG-1987, played in 2006-10) plays for Anwil Wloclawek in Polish OBL
Charles Bassey (6'10''-C/F-2000, played in 2018-21) plays for Golden State Warriors in the NBA
Jeremy Evans (6'10''-F-1987, played in 2006-10) plays for Mykonos in Greek GBL
Keith Williams (6'5''-G-1998, played in 2021-21) plays for Reales in Dominican Rep. LNB
Khristian Lander (6'3''-G-2002, played in 2022-25) plays for Ostioneros de Guaymas in Mexican CIBACOPA
Rodney Howard (6'11''-F, played in 2023-24) played for Craiova in Romanian Liga Nationala few monts ago
Lamonte Bearden (6'3''-G-1995, played in 2016-16) plays for Vasco in Brazilian NBB
Cleveland Thomas (6'4''-G-1993, played in 2014-14) plays for Halcones de Ciudad Obregon in Mexican CIBACOPA
Jairus Hamilton (6'8''-F-2000, played in 2021-23) plays for Miasto Szkla Krosno in Polish OBL
Benjamin Lawson (7'1''-F-1995, played in 2013-17) plays for Yokohama Excellence in Japanese B2 League
Kevin Kaspar (6'0''-PG-1992, played in 2011-15) plays for Kocaeli in Turkish TBL
Anton Waters (6'7''-C-1993, played in 2015-17) played for Colon SF in Argentinian La Liga Argentina last year
Sergio Kerusch (6'5''-SF-1989, played in 2008-11) played for Team 901 in the The Basketball Tournament last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Western Kentucky University basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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