Jacob Crews Heads to the Netherlands
Former Missouri guard Jacob Crews has agreed to a professional contract with Donar Groningen, a club competing in the BNXT League, the top-tier basketball competition that blends Dutch and Belgian teams.
Crews, who completed six seasons of college basketball, spent the last two years at the University of Missouri before entering the transfer portal earlier this summer. His decision to join Donar was shaped by discussions with his agent, head coach Jason Dourisseau, and general manager Stefan Mladenovic, who convinced him of the club’s championship ambitions.
A College Career Marked by Transfers
During his collegiate tenure, Crews began at Daytona State College, earned NJCAA All‑American honors, then moved to the University of Tennessee at Martin where he was named All‑Ohio Valley Conference first‑team. He later transferred to Missouri, where he contributed 8.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last season, shooting 43.5 percent from three‑point range.
Despite a promising non‑conference shooting stretch, his accuracy dipped when facing SEC opponents, prompting him to seek a fresh environment abroad. The move also aligns with his pursuit of a medical redshirt for a year he missed early in his career at North Florida.
Crews joins a growing list of former Tigers who have taken their talents overseas. Jayden Stone, another Missouri alumnus, recently signed with the Sydney Kings in Australia, illustrating the program’s expanding international footprint.
Championship Outlook in Groningen
In a statement, Crews expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete for a title in the Netherlands. He highlighted the club’s recent push to become a perennial contender and emphasized his desire to help the team bring a championship to Groningen.
The BNXT League, governed by FIBA Europe, features 14 teams from the Netherlands and Belgium and serves as a developmental platform for emerging talent. Crews will be coached by former Nebraska guard Jason Dourisseau, who previously guided the team to competitive seasons.
Off the court, Crews will be surrounded by familiar faces, including fellow former Missouri players Mark Mitchell, Tamar Bates, Caleb Grill, Sean East II, Jevon Porter, and Shawn Phillips Jr., all of whom have also pursued professional opportunities abroad.
The signing underscores the global reach of American college basketball and the increasing willingness of players to explore diverse leagues as they transition from the NCAA to professional careers.