Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Knights players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Algeria Merouane Yahya, a talented 6'2'' guard who is 23 years old and a graduate of N.Platte CC in 2023, currently plays professionally in Algeria. In a recent match, he played a crucial role in Nadi Basket's triumph over the eighth-ranked CR Beni Saf with a final score of 62-57 in the Algeria Division I on Sunday night. Despite facing a tough opponent, he showcased his skills by contributing 6 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and distributing 3 assists in 38 minutes of play. Nadi Basket Staoueli, leading the league with a record of 20-6, continues to excel under his leadership. Yahya's standout performance against CR Beni Saf, where he displayed his all-around abilities, significantly helped his team secure the victory and advance as the champion. Throughout the season, he has maintained solid averages of 9.2 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, 2.7 assists per game, and 1.5 steals per game, showcasing his versatility and value to his team as they strive for success.
#2. Polish basketball player Wiktor Sewiol, a 6'6'' forward aged 29 and an alumnus of the Knights from 2017, currently plays professionally in Poland. In a recent game, Sewiol played a crucial role in helping LKS Coolpack Lodz emerge victorious against the closely-ranked Sokol, with a final score of 90-77 in the Polish 1 Liga (second division) on Sunday night. Despite scoring only 2 points, his contribution was significant as he managed to grab 7 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play. LKS Coolpack Lodz, with a record of 21-11, holds the third position in the league standings. Sewiol's team has only one more game left in the Regular Season, and it is deemed to be a critical one. In another recent game against Lancut, Sewiol once again showcased his skills as a champion player by scoring 2 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists to help lead his team to victory. His performance on the court was instrumental in securing the win for his team. Throughout this season, Sewiol has maintained solid averages of 4.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, demonstrating his consistency and value as a key player for LKS Coolpack Lodz.
#3. Swedish champion David Niklasson, a 6'4'' guard who is 30 years old and a graduate of N. Platte CC in 2017, showcased his skills as he played a crucial role in Djurgarden's triumph over the 12th-ranked Ockelbo (9-17) with a score of 82-76 in the Swedish Superettan (second division) on Sunday night. With 8 points and 2 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play, Niklasson's performance was instrumental in securing the victory for his team. Djurgarden Basket Stockholm (17-9) currently holds the third position in the league standings, with this win marking their third consecutive victory. As the Regular Season nears its conclusion, with only two games remaining, each upcoming game becomes increasingly significant. Niklasson's remarkable season is highlighted by his impressive averages of 16.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, solidifying his status as a standout finalist.
#4. Latvian champion Edgars Kaufmanis, a 6'4'' shooting guard who is 27 years old and an alumnus of Beavers Class of 2021, showcased his basketball prowess in a thrilling match on Wednesday night. Playing for Gulbenes Buki in the Latvian Ramirent Nacional Basketball Liga, Kaufmanis led his team to a hard-fought 99-95 victory over the formidable Bauska, who held an impressive 18-4 record. Kaufmanis was instrumental in the win, contributing 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 23 minutes of play. This standout performance highlighted his skill and determination on the court. The game was highly anticipated as it featured two of the top 3 teams in the East group, with Gulbenes Buki BJSS Riga currently holding the second spot in the standings. This victory marked Gulbenes Buki's fourth consecutive win, thanks in large part to Kaufmanis' impactful play. His exceptional season statistics further solidify his status as a standout player in the league, averaging an impressive 16.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Kaufmanis' stellar performance against Bauska undoubtedly played a crucial role in his team's success, ultimately leading them to be crowned as the champion of the match.
#5. Experienced Bahamas champion Eugene Bain, a 6'5'' center/forward who is 37 years old and a graduate of Bellevue in 2011, showcased his skills in a recent game for the Commonwealth Bank Giants. Despite previously playing for N.Platte CC between 2007 and 2009, Bain now competes professionally in the Bahamas. In a highly anticipated matchup against the Rockets, who held a 13-5 record, Bain led the Giants to a commanding 101-84 victory in a thrilling derby game within the Bahamas New Province Basketball Association. Impressively, Bain contributed 14 points and secured 4 rebounds in just 21 minutes of play, demonstrating his impact on the court. This game marked a significant clash between two top 4 ranked teams, with the Giants (15-1) currently holding the second position in the league standings. The win against the Rockets extended the Giants' winning streak to seven consecutive games, highlighting their strong form this season. As a seven-season veteran with the Giants, Bain continues to be a key player for the team, consistently delivering solid performances. His contributions on the court were instrumental in securing the victory over the Rockets, solidifying his reputation as a champion player. Throughout the season, Bain has maintained an average of 8.8 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game, further underscoring his valuable presence within the team.
#6. Bosnia and Herzegovina's Timur Krupalija, a 25-year-old forward standing at 6'9'', is a former Crimson Storm alum who played at N. Platte CC from 2020 to 2022 before turning pro in Bosnia. Recently, Krupalija faced off against Student-Igokea while playing for KK Radnicki Gorazde but could not lead his team to victory. During the game, he struggled to make a significant impact, only scoring 2 points in a total of 12 minutes on the court. Despite Krupalija's efforts, his team suffered a tough loss, with Student-Igokea prevailing 86-70, a 16-point difference. In a separate game against Student-Igokea, Krupalija managed to showcase his skills by contributing 2 points and 3 rebounds. Despite his individual performance, his team was unable to secure the win. Throughout this season, Krupalija has been averaging 4.4 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game. Although Saturday's game may not be counted among his best, Krupalija continues to work hard and contribute to his team's efforts on the court.
#7. Aaron Ridley III, a 6'6'' forward who graduated from Cumberland in 2022 and previously played at N. Platte CC from 2017 to 2018, showcased his skills as a professional player in Australia. In a recent Australian NBL One (second division) match, Ridley III was a standout performer for the Northern Force, leading them to a 100-94 victory over the 14th-ranked Thunder. He scored an impressive 23 points and made 3 steals in 36 minutes of play. Ridley III continued his stellar performance in another game against Keilor T, where he contributed 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. His outstanding display on the court was instrumental in securing the victory for his team, ultimately helping them clinch the champion title. Throughout the season, Ridley III has maintained solid statistics, averaging 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His consistent contribution and performance have been crucial in his team's success, making him a key player in their journey to becoming the champion.
#8. Polish Przemyslaw Zygmunciak, a 6'2'' guard and 26-year-old alummi of the Knights from 2020, showcased his talent by leading Tarn.Gory to a convincing 79-62 victory over the sixth-ranked Lublinianka in the Polish 2 Liga (third division) on Sunday night. Zygmunciak's impressive performance included 12 points and 6 rebounds in 36 minutes of play. His noteworthy contribution on the court was instrumental in securing the win for his team, ultimately earning him the title of the champion. Throughout the season, Zygmunciak has maintained high statistics, averaging 15.7 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game, and 1.1 steals per game. His consistent performance and leadership qualities have undoubtedly been crucial in Tarn.Gory's success, solidifying his position as a key player and champion in the team.
Other former North Platte Community College players, who play in pro basketball:
Nikolas Tomsick (6'1''-PG-1991, played in 2010-12) plays for Caballeros de Culiacan in Mexican CIBACOPA
Kirat Singh (6'4''-G-2004, played in 2023-24) played for BC Lulea in Swedish Basketligan few monts ago
Karol Gruszecki (6'6''-F/G-1989, played in 2009-11) plays for Enea Abramczyk Astoria Bydgoszcz in Polish 1Liga
Aleksa Rudic (6'7''-F-2001, played in 2021-23) plays for Vrsac in Serbian KLS
Jakub Karwowski (7'1''-C-1996, played in 2017-19) played for Lodz in Polish 1Liga last year
Joe Ragland (6'0''-PG-1989, played in 2009-10) plays for M.Raanana in Israeli Winner League
Edib Bronja (6'7''-F-2003, played in 2023-23) plays for Novi Pazar in Serbian 2MLS
Jesper Hallberg (6'8''-F-1995, played in 2023-24) plays for Hogsbo in Swedish Basketligan
Ilya Tyrtyshnik (6'3''-G-1998, played in 2018-19) played for Ravenna in Italian Serie B Nazionale last year
Brodie Crown (F-2003, played in 2023-24) played for Northside Wizards in Australian NBL One last year
Trevon Dennis (6'5''-F-2002, played in 2020-22) played for Creating Young Minds in the TBL last year
Mike Amius (6'7''-C/F-1996, played in 2015-17) played for Jacksonville 95ers in the TBL last year
Godfrey Rolle Iii (5'11''-PG-1996, played in 2016-18) plays for High Flyers in Bahamas NPBA
Timothy Simmons (6'5''-PF-1992, played in 2012-14) played for A.Lobos in Salvadorean Liga MB last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of North Platte Community College basketball alumni.
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