Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Here is the weekly review of the top performing Saints alumni, who are currently playing in pro basketball.
Notice impressive performance of Jamal Poplar (19 points), Isiah Small (12 points), and Malakye Cunningham (0 points).
#1. Jamal Poplar, a 6'9'' forward/center who graduated from Seward County in 2015 and currently plays professionally in New Zealand, showcased his skills in a recent game for the Manawatu Jets. Despite his standout performance, where he scored 19 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots in 29 minutes of play, the Jets suffered a 105-84 defeat on the road against the higher-ranked Saints (#4). Poplar has been a standout performer individually this season, boasting impressive averages of 23.3 points per game (third best in the league), 9.7 rebounds per game (third best in the league), along with 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. His talent and contributions on the court have been notable throughout the season. Having previously participated in the prestigious Eurobasket Summer League, known for providing opportunities for players looking to pursue basketball careers overseas, Poplar continues to excel as a key player for his team despite the recent loss to the Saints.
#2. Isiah Small, a 27-year-old former Bobcats alumni from 2022, has been making waves in the basketball scene. Despite playing for Seward County between 2017 and 2019, his talent shone through as he was awarded the All-KJCCC D1 West Conference Defensive Player of the Year during that time. Small currently plays professionally in New Zealand and recently shared the court with his teammate, the talented Jamal Poplar, in the latest New Zealand National Basketball League game. In a recent match, Small unfortunately couldn't turn the tide for the struggling Manawatu Jets (4-8) as they faced a tough opponent in the higher-ranked Saints (#4) and suffered a crushing 105-84 defeat in Wellington. Small, standing tall at 6'8'', showcased his skills by scoring 12 points and securing 4 rebounds in the 30 minutes he played. Despite his commendable performance against the Saints, where he also contributed 2 assists, his team couldn't secure the victory. Throughout the season, Small has maintained relatively impressive statistics, averaging 14.0 points per game, 10.2 rebounds per game, 3.4 assists per game, and 1.2 blocks per game. His dedication and talent on the court make him a standout player in the league.
#3. Australian finalist Malakye Cunningham, a 6'7'' forward at 22 years old, graduated from CMU in 2025 but previously played for Seward County between 2023 and 2024 before turning pro in Australia. In a recent Australian NBL One (second division) game, Cunningham made a significant contribution to Perth Redbacks' victory over the 14th-ranked Slammers with a score of 92-81 on Friday night. Despite his team's previous four consecutive losses, Cunningham's stellar performance, which included scoring 6 points, grabbing 2 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists in 28 minutes of play, proved instrumental in securing the much-needed win. His standout display on the court truly exemplified his skills and marked him as a champion that day. Currently, Cunningham maintains an average of 5.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in the ongoing season, showcasing his valuable contributions to the team.
#4. Taye Donald, a 6'2'' guard and 24-year-old Saints alumnus from 2022, currently playing professionally in Canada, was unable to assist the Edmonton Stingers (3-4) in their recent game last Wednesday. Despite his commendable performance, the Edmonton team (#3) faced a narrow 87-86 defeat in Hamilton against the Honey Badgers. During the game, Donald showcased his skills by contributing 11 points, securing 4 rebounds, and distributing 8 assists, all within a span of 23 minutes on the court. Although his individual efforts were notable, the team fell short in clinching the victory. It is worth noting that the season is still in its early stages, leaving room for various outcomes in upcoming matches. In a previous game against Brampton, Donald displayed another solid performance by scoring 11 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and providing 8 assists. Despite his consistent contributions, the team did not manage to secure a win on that occasion as well. Donald's current season statistics demonstrate his valuable contributions to the team, with averages of 8.0 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, 3.7 assists per game, and 1.2 steals per game. His performance highlights his potential as a key player for the Edmonton Stingers as they progress through the season.
#5. Wilson Dubinsky, a 6'3'' guard who graduated from Marshall in 2026 and previously played for Seward County between 2021 and 2023, showcased his skills as a professional player in Canada by aiding the Ottawa Blackjacks in their impressive victory over the Bandits (6-2) with a final score of 114-105 in the Canadian Elite Basketball League on Tuesday night. In the game, Dubinsky played a pivotal role by scoring 8 points and securing 6 rebounds in 26 minutes of play. Despite the Ottawa Blackjacks' current 4-4 record this season, Dubinsky's performance against Vancouver truly stood out. He not only contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds but also provided 1 assist, leading his team to another victory. His exceptional display on the court played a crucial role in securing the win for the team. Throughout the season, Dubinsky has been averaging 3.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assist per game, showcasing his consistent contribution to the team's overall performance. His dedication and skills make him a valuable asset to the Ottawa Blackjacks as they strive to improve their standing in the league.
Other former Seward County Community College players, who play in pro basketball:
Rostyslav Novitskyi (6'9''-PF-2000, played in 2019-20) plays for VEF Riga in Latvian LBL
Ahmed Ibrahim (6'8''-F, played in 2019-21) plays for Sporting in Egyptian Superleague
Ramiro Santiago (6'4''-G-1999, played in 2018-20) plays for Olimpico in Argentinian La Liga
Kaheem Ransom (6'1''-PG-1993, played in 2011-13) played for HydroTruck Radom in Polish 2Liga few monts ago
Hegel Augustin (6'3''-G-1999, played in 2017-19) played for Rogaska in Slovenian Liga OTP banka last year
Ousmane Barro (6'10''-C/F-1984, played in 2003-04) played for Brasov in Romanian Liga Nationala last year
Leslee Smith (6'7''-F-1990, played in 2012-13) played for Bristol Flyers in British SLB last year
Kyle Cardaci (6'2''-G-2000, played in 2019-20) plays for Promo in Bosnia and Herzegovina Division I
Mathias M'Madi (6'5''-G-2005, played in 2023-24) plays for BC Orchies in French NM1
Brian Bridgeforth (6'10''-C-1994, played in 2013-14) plays for JCA in Ivorian National 1
Samuel Henderson (6'1''-G-2001, played in 2019-20) plays for Energywise Ireland Neptune Cork in Irish Super League
Benni Kazadi (6'7''-SF, played in 2024-25) plays for Humber College in the OCAA-West
David Petit (6'0''-PG, played in 2022-24) plays for Daimiel in Spanish Tercera FEB
Davonte Jennings (6'0''-PG-2000, played in 2020-22) plays for Dudley BS in Bahamas GBBA
Ke'Sean Davis (6'7''-F-1998, played in 2017-18) played for Long Beach Blue Waves in the TBL last year
Ernest Carter (6'4''-G-1996, played in 2016-17) plays for Grant County Redtails in the TBL
William Benjamin (6'10''-C-1993, played in 2012-13) plays for Enid Outlaws in the TBL
N'faba Mane (6'5''-G-2006, played in 2024-25) plays for Le Portel U21 in French ProA U21
Oleksii Adediran (6'9''-C-1982, played in 2001-03) plays for Sambir in Ukrainian Higher League
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Seward County Community College basketball alumni.
Jamal Poplar is last week best Saints alumni, who plays professional basketball (Photo: @Froya)
