The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is pleased to announce that several of its former men’s basketball players are excelling in professional basketball leagues around the world. Here is an overview of how some of these outstanding athletes are performing in their respective leagues.
Lesley Varner II, who was with UTRGV from 2016-20, has been a standout player for SK Slavia Praha in the Czech Republic NBL. In a recent game, Varner led his team in scoring with 21 points, in addition to contributing three steals, one rebound, and one assist. He is currently averaging an impressive 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.9 steals through 14 games.
Perry Petty, a former UTRGV player from 2010-11, has been making waves in the Basketball Africa League, leading City Oilers to a 4-1 record over six days, with averages of 18 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.4 steals during that stretch.
Shaquille Hines, a player from 2012-16, has been a strong performer for Bambitious Nara in the Japanese B2 League, averaging 16.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 19 games.
Luis Valera, a former UTRGV player from 2008-10, has been a force to be reckoned with in the Spanish EBA, averaging 16.7 points and 6.8 rebounds through 10 games.
Javon Levi, who played for UTRGV from 2017-21, has been an all-around contributor for KK Dubrovnik in the Croatian Premijer Liga, averaging 11.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and a league-leading 3.6 steals in nine games.
Janari Joesaar, a player from 2014-15, has been a consistent performer for Anwil Wloclawek in the Polish OBL, averaging 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals through 10 games.
Paul Stoll, who played for UTRGV from 2006-08, has been a valuable player for Fuerza Regia in the Mexican LNBP Playoffs, averaging 6.5 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.9 rebounds through 27 games.
Jordan Jackson, a former UTRGV player from 2017-20, has been making his mark with the Maine Celtics, averaging 3.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and one assist in two games.
In addition to these players, Terry Winn III (2017-19) is excelling in the Lebanese LBL, averaging 14.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steal through three games for Antranik. Johnny Crnogorac (2017-19) had a strong season with the Sydney City Comets in Australian NBL One, averaging 11.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 20 games played last season.
This is just a snapshot of the many talented UTRGV alumni who are currently shining in professional basketball. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to following their continued success in the future. For a full list of UTRGV alumni playing in pro basketball leagues, visit the link provided. Join us in supporting our UTRGV Men’s Basketball team and follow our social media channels for the latest updates.