Utah State University reported on Mar. 17 that 15 former men’s basketball players are currently playing professionally around the world, including three athletes on National Basketball Association (NBA) rosters.
The update highlights the ongoing impact of Utah State’s basketball program as its alumni continue to contribute to teams in various leagues. The report provides a summary of each player’s recent performances and current roles with their respective teams.
Sam Merrill, now in his sixth NBA season and fourth with the Cleveland Cavaliers, scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds in a recent game against Orlando before missing two games due to injury. Merrill is shooting 44.5 percent from three-point range, ranking fourth in the NBA. Neemias Queta, playing his fifth NBA season and third with the Boston Celtics, averaged 9.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks over four games for Boston. Queta leads several statistical categories among league centers, including ranking fourth in field goal percentage at .638.
Other notable performances include Darius Brown II of the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, who averaged nearly a double-double with 13.8 points and 12.8 assists per game for the Cleveland Charge in the G-League; Taylor Funk of the San Diego Clippers averaging double figures in scoring; Dexter Akanno making his debut overseas; Dan Akin contributing to Kolossos BC in Greece; Justin Bean helping Alba Berlin split two games; Diogo Brito aiding Monbus Obradoiro to two wins; Kris Clark competing in Azerbaijan; RJ Eytle-Rock serving as player-coach for Ireland’s EJ Sligo All-Stars; Aubin Gateretse posting a double-double for Hubo Limburg United in Belgium; Brandon Horvath scoring a season-high for Nitra Blue Wings in Slovakia; Ian Martinez averaging strong numbers for Unger Steel Gunners Oberwart in Austria; Shane Rector contributing to Zonkeys de Tijuana’s victories in Mexico; and Chris Smith leading Hiroshima Dragonflies with an average of 22 points per game.
The university said these updates reflect both the diversity of international opportunities available to its alumni and their continued presence at high levels of competition.
