Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Rams alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
#1. Volante Carroll, a towering 6'7'' forward who graduated in 2023, played a crucial role in leading his team to victory as the SCBL Regular Season Champion that year. Currently, he is showcasing his skills at the professional level in Thailand. In a recent matchup, Carroll proved to be a major contributor for the Big Lions Basketball Club as they secured a convincing win against Air Force, a team struggling at 0-4 in the league. The final score stood at 76-60 in favor of Carroll's team on a Saturday night. During the game, Carroll displayed an impressive performance, recording a double-double with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Additionally, he showcased his defensive prowess by adding 3 steals to his stat line in the 37 minutes he played. This remarkable display of talent is particularly noteworthy as Carroll is only in his third season of professional basketball. The Big Lions Basketball Club, with a record of 3-1, currently holds the fourth position in the league standings. Carroll's exceptional performance against Air Force earned him recognition, leading to the prestigious Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com. With an average of 15.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game this season, Carroll has consistently showcased his skills on the court. His stellar contributions highlight his determination to excel and solidify his status as a finalist.
#2. Sidney Knox, a 31-year-old point guard standing at 5'10'' and an alum of Rams from 2017, showcased his talent while playing professionally in the ECBL. In a recent game, Knox, a finalist player, unfortunately, could not lead the struggling Carolina Panthers (0-14) to victory against the Winston-Salem Wolves. Despite his stellar performance, the Panthers fell short on the road with a score of 121-116. Knox's on-court excellence was evident as he achieved a double-double, scoring 18 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and contributing 8 assists along with 3 steals. This remarkable display highlighted his skills and versatility as a player, earning him recognition and the Triple-Double Badge from eurobasket.com. These impressive stats further solidify his reputation as a champion player in the league. This season marks Knox's fifth year with the team, and he continues to maintain solid statistics, averaging 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists (leading the league), and 1.8 steals per game. His consistent performance and leadership on the court demonstrate his value as a key player for the team. Having previously participated in the Eurobasket Summer League, known as a prestigious platform for players aspiring to compete overseas, Knox brings a wealth of experience and skill to his professional career.
#3. Donavon Martin, a talented 6'5'' guard who graduated from Bluefield in 2026 and now plays professionally in the ECBL, played a crucial role in the North Carolina Capitals' thrilling 110-107 victory over the Park City Dreamers. In this game, Martin showcased his skills by scoring 19 points, pulling down 6 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots. It's impressive to note that this is only Martin's first season in professional basketball. Despite the North Carolina Capitals having a somewhat modest 8-5 record this season, Martin has been a standout player, consistently delivering strong performances. The recent win against the Park City Dreamers marked the team's third consecutive victory, making their upcoming final game of the East Coast Basketball League Regular Season all the more critical. Martin's outstanding individual season performance is reflected in his impressive stats, averaging 18.5 points per game, 10.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals. His contributions have been instrumental in helping his team succeed and ultimately claim the champion title in the game against the Park City Dreamers.
Other former Bluefield University players, who play in pro basketball:
D'Monte Evans (6'3''-F, played in 2019-20) plays for Carolina Crusaders in the ECBL
NiQuan Cousins (6'4''-G-1998, played in 2017-20) plays for Winston-Salem Wolves in the ECBL
Kaleb Hewitt (5'10''-PG, played in 2022-24) played for Hickory Hoyas in the ECBL few monts ago
Jahleer Black (6'4''-F, played in 2020-21) played for Kingdom Life Basketball Club in the ECBL last year
Joseph McClain (6'3''-F, played in 2013-16) played for G2G Philly Thunder in the ABA last year
Gage Yesbeck (6'8''-C-1994, played in 2014-18) plays for Petersburg Cavaliers in the ECBL
David Tripp (6'5''-F, played in 2017-20) played for Rowan County Bulls in the ECBL last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Bluefield University basketball alumni.
Volante Carroll is last week best Rams alumni, who plays professional basketball (Photo: @bluefieldcollegeathletics)
