Picture this: a powerhouse college basketball team that's not just winning games, but launching players onto the world stage, from NBA courts to international leagues far and wide. Utah State University's Aggies are doing just that, with a whopping 15 former men's basketball stars currently gracing professional rosters around the globe, including a pair lighting up the NBA spotlight. But here's where it gets fascinating – how do these alumni stack up in their first few months of the season? Let's dive into the details, player by player, and see who's shining brightest. And remember, this isn't just about stats; it's about the journey from college hardwood to pro glory.
Starting strong in the big leagues, Sam Merrill, the guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is wrapping up his sixth NBA season and his fourth with Clevo. Last week, he averaged an impressive 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across four games, helping the Cavaliers secure a 3-1 record. Merrill even started every single one of those matchups and is currently sitting pretty at 11th in the entire league for made three-pointers, with 44 under his belt. For beginners unfamiliar with the NBA, it's the pinnacle of professional basketball in North America, where players like Merrill showcase elite skills honed from years of training.
Then there's Neemias Queta, the center anchoring the Boston Celtics, in his fifth NBA campaign and third with Beantown. He put up averages of 11.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game last week, contributing to a solid 2-1 record for Boston. As a starter in all 14 of their games so far, Queta ranks eighth in offensive rebounds (with 44) and 13th in blocks (19) league-wide. To clarify, offensive rebounds are those second-chance opportunities snatched after a missed shot, and blocks are those highlight-reel swats that can change a game's momentum – skills that make Queta a defensive force.
Shifting to the G-League, where up-and-coming talents refine their game, Darius Brown II, the guard for the Cleveland Charge, is in his second pro season, both with the same team. He delivered 10.3 points, 9.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game over three games last week, aiding the Charge's 2-1 win-loss tally. Brown leads the pack at fifth in the G-League for assists per game, averaging 10.2 – and for those new to this, the G-League serves as the NBA's developmental league, a stepping stone for players to build experience and earn a shot at the big show.
Over on the West Coast, Taylor Funk, the forward for the San Diego Clippers, is enjoying his third pro season and his debut with the Clippers. He averaged a robust 16.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game last week, steering San Diego to a 1-1 record. Notably, Funk exploded for 22 points in their 113-106 victory over the Salt Lake Stars on November 14, draining 6 out of 12 from beyond the arc. That three-point shooting prowess is a game-changer in today's fast-paced game, where long-range bombs can swing any contest.
Venturing overseas, Dexter Akanno, the small forward for Germany's VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier (in the BBL), is kicking off his first pro season with the squad. He chipped in two points and two rebounds in just three minutes during Trier's 96-80 defeat to Bayern München on November 15. For context, the BBL is Germany's top basketball league, offering a competitive platform for international play.
Meanwhile, Dan Akin, the power forward/center for Greece's Kolossos BC, is in his third pro year and his inaugural stint with the team in the Greek Basketball League. He tallied two points, three rebounds, and a steal in Kolossos' 86-71 loss to Iraklis on November 16. Steals, by the way, are those quick interceptions that can ignite fast breaks and energize a team.
Justin Bean, the forward for Germany's Alba Berlin (also in the BBL), rounds out his fourth pro season and third with Berlin. He averaged 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds across two wins last week, including a stellar 11-point, 10-rebound double-double in their 91-78 triumph over Jena. A double-double means double-digit stats in two categories – here, points and rebounds – showcasing Bean's versatility as a rebounding machine and scorer.
Diogo Brito, the guard for Spain's Monbus Obradoiro in the LEB Gold, is in his fifth pro season and his first with the club. He racked up 16 points and two steals in Obradoiro's 94-68 rout of Cartagena on November 15. The LEB Gold is Spain's second-tier league, a proving ground for skills that could lead to higher tiers like the ACB.
Kris Clark, the guard for Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan in the Azerbaijani Basketball League, has been a pro since 2008 and is in his first season with this team. He logged three minutes in Nakhchivan's 116-99 win over Sumqayit on November 14. With such a long career, Clark exemplifies the endurance needed in global basketball circuits.
RJ Eytle-Rock, the guard for Ireland's EJ Sligo All-Stars in the Men's Super League, is in his third pro season and his first as a player-coach with the squad. The All-Stars secured a perfect 2-0 record last week, defeating Killorglin and Tralee. Balancing playing and coaching adds a layer of leadership that's not common in pro sports.
Aubin Gateretse, the center for Belgium's Limburg United in the BNXT League, is starting his first pro season with the team. He contributed four points and three rebounds in Limburg's 82-79 narrow loss to Groningen on November 14. The BNXT League unites teams from Belgium and the Netherlands, fostering cross-border talent.
Brandon Horvath, the center for Lithuania's BC Gargzdai-SC in the Lithuanian Basketball League, is in his fourth pro season and his first with this outfit. He scored five points and grabbed four rebounds as Gargzdai edged Nevezis 86-79 on November 16. Lithuanian hoops are known for their intensity and skill, much like the NBA.
Ian Martinez, the guard for Israel's Elitzur Yavne in the National League, is beginning his pro career with the club. He poured in 26 points – including a flawless 8-for-8 from the free-throw line – plus three rebounds and two assists in Yavne's 96-82 setback to Otef Darom. Perfect free-throw shooting is rare and can be a psychological edge in clutch moments.
Shane Rector, the guard for Qatar's Al Shamal Doha in the QBL, is in his ninth pro season and his debut with Doha. So far this season, he's averaging a blistering 30.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, guiding Al Shamal to a 3-2 record. They'll be back in action on December 6 against Qatar Club. Rector's scoring explosion highlights how veterans can dominate in lesser-known leagues.
Finally, Chris Smith, the guard for Japan's Hiroshima Dragonflies in the B1 League, is in his 10th pro season and his first with Hiroshima. He averaged 14.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game across three games last week, helping the Dragonflies to a 2-1 mark. Japan's B1 League is the top tier there, blending global talent with local flair.
But here's where it gets controversial – are these international and lower-league pathways undervalued compared to the NBA grind? Many argue that players like Rector thriving in Qatar prove that success isn't just measured by headlines in America. On the flip side, is there a stigma to playing outside the NBA, or does it just broaden opportunities? And this is the part most people miss: the Aggies' legacy isn't just about NBA spots; it's about global impact, showing that college basketball can lead to worldwide careers. What do you think – should more college programs focus on international prep, or is the NBA still the ultimate dream? Do you agree that these players deserve more recognition for their diverse paths? Drop your opinions in the comments below – I'd love to hear your take!
