The legacy of Michigan basketball continues well beyond the NCAA tournament, as a steady stream of former players has taken their talents to professional courts around the world. From the high‑altitude arenas of Mexico to the historic gyms of Lithuania, these alumni are not just participating — they are shaping the competitive landscape of each league they enter.
A Global Tour of Talent
Trey Burke, once a dynamic point guard for the Wolverines, now leads Astros de Jalisco in Mexico, where he averages 17.3 points per game. In Lithuania, Ignas Brazdeikis has become a cornerstone for Žalgiris Kaunas, contributing 6.4 points per game. Across the Channel, Eli Brooks helps BAXI Manresa sit near the top of Spain’s ACB, posting 12.2 points per game. The pattern repeats in Italy, where Muhammad‑Ali Abdur‑Rahkman fuels Treviso Basket with 12.1 points per game, and in the United Kingdom, Chaundee Brown Jr. and Zak Irvin each bring veteran savvy to the London Lions and Manchester Basketball respectively.
Spotlight on Key Performers
Brandon Johns Jr. showcases his versatility for Sporting CP in Portugal, averaging 13.7 points per game, while DeVante’ Jones continues to impress in Italy’s Dolomiti Energia Trento with 13.8 points per game. Olivier Nkamhoua, another Michigan standout, now stars for Pallacanestro Varese, delivering 16.1 points per game. In the United Arab Emirates, Glenn Robinson III has turned heads with a spectacular 27.8 points per game for Al Sharjah, underscoring the program’s ability to attract high‑scoring talent.
The reach of Michigan alumni extends to Asia, where Zavier Simpson guides Ningbo Rockets in China with 18.1 points per game, and to South Korea, where Jordan Morgan contributes to Suwon KT Sonicboom’s offense. In Turkey, Mike Smith’s 15.2 points per game for Bursaspor illustrate the program’s presence in European basketball hotbeds, while in Puerto Rico, Derrick Walton Jr. and D.J. Wilson lead Capitanes de Arecibo and Cangrejeros de Santurce respectively, each averaging double‑digit points.
A Legacy of Adaptability
What ties these diverse performances together is a common thread of adaptability and competitive drive. Whether adjusting to the physical style of play in the Czech Republic, where Rubin Jones averages 18.2 points for SK Slavia Praha, or navigating the fast‑paced environment of England’s Newcastle Eagles alongside Jaelin Llewellyn, former Michigan players consistently demonstrate that they can thrive in varied tactical systems. Their success abroad not only reflects personal talent but also highlights the robust development they received at the University of Michigan.
As the next generation of Wolverines prepares to enter the professional ranks, the international footprint established by their predecessors sets a precedent for future opportunities. The global basketball community continues to recognize the value of a Michigan education, and the alumni who now compete on five continents serve as ambassadors for the program’s enduring excellence.