Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC We bring you last week's top former Wolfpack players who are currently playing in pro basketball.
Especially interesting is good performance of Mohamed Diarra (11 points), Lennard Freeman (17 points), and Devon Daniels (12 points).
#1. French Mohamed Diarra, a 25-year-old forward standing at 6'10'' who graduated from NC State in 2024 after helping them secure the ACC Tournament title that year, currently plays professionally in France. Unfortunately, Diarra was unable to assist Cholet Basket (19-11) in their recent game last Tuesday, where they were narrowly defeated 94-91 on the road by Paris Basket, the second-ranked team. Despite the loss, Diarra displayed his talent on the court by contributing 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 23 minutes of play. His noteworthy performance included a strong showing against Paris, where he scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Although his team did not emerge victorious, Diarra's skill and determination were evident throughout the game, further solidifying his reputation as a champion in the sport. Throughout this season, Diarra has maintained solid averages of 8.5 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game (ranking fourth in the league), and 1.3 assists per game. His consistent performance and contributions on the court continue to showcase why he is regarded as a champion player.
#2. In a pivotal matchup against the third-ranked Galil Elion, Lennard Freeman, a 30-year-old 6'8'' forward and Wolfpack alumnus from 2018 playing professionally in Israel, showcased his skills as a key player for M.Raanana. Freeman's standout performance included scoring 17 points, securing 8 rebounds, and contributing 1 assist in 31 minutes of play on Tuesday night. This stellar display played a crucial role in M.Raanana's impressive 81-64 victory. Maccabi Raanana currently holds the fourth spot in the Places 11-14 group with a record of 6-20. As the team faces only three more games in the Play-Out Round, each remaining match becomes increasingly significant. Freeman, in his debut season with the team, has proven himself as a valuable asset with an average of 9.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this season. With his exceptional performance against Galil Elion, Freeman's impact was undeniable as he led his team to victory, solidifying his position as the champion of the game and a key player to watch as M.Raanana navigates through the final games of the season.
#3. Devon Daniels, a 6'5'' guard, aged 27 and an NC State graduate from 2021, currently playing professionally in Puerto Rico, showcased his talent as he led Atleticos de San German to a hard-fought victory against the third-ranked Gigantes with a final score of 93-89 in the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional on Wednesday night. In his debut game for Atleticos de San German this season, Daniels made a significant impact by contributing 12 points in just 21 minutes of play. The match was highly anticipated as it featured two top 3 ranked teams in Group A, with Atleticos de San German emerging victorious and solidifying their position at the top of the standings. This win marked their fourth consecutive victory in a row, highlighting the team's strong performance in the league. During the game against Carolina, Daniels displayed his skills by scoring 12 points, securing 1 rebound, and providing 2 assists. His exceptional performance on the court was instrumental in helping his team clinch the victory and ultimately be crowned the champion of the match.
#4. Jarkel Joiner, a 6'1'' guard and 27-year-old Wolfpack alumnus from 2023, has been making waves in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. In a recent game, he led the Vancouver Bandits to a resounding 105-85 victory over the Mamba, with Joiner being named the MVP of the game. Despite only being in his third season of professional basketball, Joiner showcased his skills by scoring 23 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists in just 28 minutes of play. Joiner's standout performance on the court has been a key factor in the success of the Vancouver Bandits this season, as they currently hold a 6-2 record. With Joiner averaging an impressive 19.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, he has established himself as a champion player in the league. While it is still early in the season and anything can happen, Joiner's consistent high-level play bodes well for his team's chances of success. With his exceptional skills and contributions, Joiner is proving himself to be a finalist in the league's top performers.
#5. Michael O'Connell, a 6'2'' guard who graduated from NC State in 2025 and currently plays professionally in Puerto Rico, showcased his skills as a champion by leading Criollos de Caguas to a decisive 104-89 victory over the fourth-ranked Mets in the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional on Wednesday night. In this impressive performance, O'Connell contributed 12 points and 4 assists in just 23 minutes of play. Criollos de Caguas, currently holding the second position in Group B with a record of 17-9, benefited greatly from O'Connell's stellar performance on the court. Against Guaynabo, he not only scored 12 points but also secured 2 rebounds and distributed 4 assists, playing a key role in his team's triumph. His consistent contributions have been essential in solidifying his status as a finalist. Throughout the season, O'Connell has maintained solid averages of 6.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, further showcasing his value as a key player for Criollos de Caguas.
Other former North Carolina State University players, who play in pro basketball:
Lorenzo Brown (6'5''-PG-1990, played in 2010-13) plays for AX Armani Exchange Milano in Italian Serie A
DJ Burns Jr. (6'9''-F-2000, played in 2022-24) plays for Bnei Hertzeliya in Israeli Winner League
Eric Lockett (6'5''-G/F-1995, played in 2018-19) plays for Energa Trefl Sopot in Polish OBL
Terquavion Smith (6'4''-G-2002, played in 2023-24) plays for Shenzhen Leopards in Chinese CBA
Markell Johnson (6'2''-PG-1998, played in 2016-20) plays for Shenzhen Leopards in Chinese CBA
DJ Funderburk (6'10''-F-1997, played in 2017-21) plays for Iraklis in Greek GBL
CJ Bryce (6'5''-G-1996, played in 2017-17) plays for UNICS in Russian VTB United League
Allerik Freeman (6'3''-SG-1994, played in 2017-18) plays for Itelyum Varese in Italian Serie A
Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (6'9''-C-2003, played in 2024-25) plays for Keravnos in Cypriot ECOMMBX BL
Sacha Killeya-Jones (7'0''-C/F-1998, played in 2018-18) plays for Shandong Heroes in Chinese CBA
Jericole Hellems (6'7''-PF-1999, played in 2018-22) plays for Toros Laguna in Mexican CIBACOPA
DJ Horne (6'1''-G-2000, played in 2023-24) plays for MLP Academics Heidelberg in German BBL
Javier Gonzalez (6'1''-PG-1989, played in 2007-22) played for Cangrejeros de Santurce in Puerto Rican BSN few monts ago
C.J. Williams (6'5''-F/G-1990, played in 2008-12) played for PGE Start Lublin in Polish OBL last year
Maverick Rowan (6'7''-G/F-1996, played in 2015-17) played for Pistoia in Italian Serie A2 last year
Ben Middlebrooks (6'10''-F, played in 2023-25) plays for Norrkoping in Swedish Basketligan
Trevor Lacey (6'3''-SG-1991, played in 2013-13) plays for Maccabi Urban Ramat Gan in Israeli Winner League
Jalen Lecque (6'5''-SG-2000, played in 2019-20) plays for Onvo Buyukcekmece Basketbol in Turkish BSL
Anthony Barber (6'2''-PG-1994, played in 2013-16) plays for Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball in French Betclic ELITE ProA
Dontrez Styles (6'6''-G/F-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for Val-Dieu Spirou Basket Charleroi in Belgian Pro Basketball League
Dennis Smith Jr. (6'3''-PG-1997, played in 2016-17) plays for Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League
Dereon Seabron (6'7''-G-2000, played in 2019-19) plays for Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA G League
T.J. Warren (6'8''-F-1993, played in 2012-14) plays for Westchester Knicks in the NBA G League
Jayden Taylor (6'4''-G-2003, played in 2023-25) plays for KTP-Basket in Finnish Korisliiga
Terry Henderson Jr. (6'5''-G-1994, played in 2014-14) plays for USK Praha in Czech Republic NBL
Torin Dorn (6'5''-G-1995, played in 2015-15) plays for J.Hradec in Czech Republic 1Liga
Jordan Vandenberg (7'1''-C-1990, played in 2010-14) played for McKinnon Cougars in Australian Big V last year
Thomas De Thaey (6'8''-F-1991, played in 2011-13) played for Taiwan Beer in Taiwanese SBL last year
Breon Pass (6'0''-PG, played in 2021-25) plays for Ylli in Kosovan Superliga
Ernest Ross (6'9''-F-2001, played in 2021-25) plays for Wings in Georgian A League
Richard Howell (6'8''-C/F-1990, played in 2009-13) plays for Raleigh Firebirds in the TBL
Abdul-Malik Abu (6'8''-C-1995, played in 2014-23) plays for Kahramanmaras in Turkish TBL
Engin Atsur (6'4''-PG-1984, played in 2003-07) played for MI Bocconi in Italian Serie B Interregionale last year
Ted Kapita (6'8''-F-1996, played in 2016-17) plays for Muskogee Skykings in the TBL
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of North Carolina State University basketball alumni.
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Ex-Players
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