Former Mocs Alumni Chart New Professional Horizons
The latest wave of professional basketball contracts sees a string of former University of Chattanooga Mocs alumni stepping onto courts far beyond their hometown, signing deals that span continents and showcase the program’s growing international footprint.
Among the newest NBA signees, Malachi Smith inked a two‑way contract with the Toronto Raptors after a standout season that included his NBA debut with the Brooklyn Nets last year. Jake Stephens earned a spot on the 2026 NBA G League United roster, a squad slated to tour Shanghai and Beijing for exhibition matches and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
From the NBA to European Leagues
In Europe, David Jean‑Baptiste moved to AEO Proteas Voulas in Greece’s Elite League, while Frank Champion secured a two‑year agreement with MLP Academics Heidelberg in Germany’s ProA division and was recently crowned the 2026 Star Player of the Year in Finland’s Korisliiga.
The alumni roster also stretches to Poland, where Jikari Johnson competes for Starogard Gdanski, the Czech Republic with Trey Bonham at Pardubice, Slovakia’s Tipos SBL where Tyler Millin plays, and Spain’s Primera FEB, featuring Jan Zidek and Ramon Vila on the same club.
A World of Opportunities
Further afield, Avery Diggs is making his mark in Argentina’s La Liga with Villa San Martin, Silvio de Sousa battles in Greece’s GBL, Stefan Kenic battles in Azerbaijan’s ABL, and Mark Tikhonenko fights in Spain’s Segunda FEB for Jaen CB. Meanwhile, Matt Ryan leads Maxima Roma in Italy’s Serie A, and Thomas Smallwood prepares for CB Prat Juventudis in the Tercera FEB.
Even the older generation remains active; Kevin Bridgewaters continues his career in the USA’s TBL with Newfoundland Rouges, underscoring the longevity of the Mocs’ professional pipeline.