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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 23: Former Michigan Wolverine Trey Burke speaks during his jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes basketball game at Crisler Arena on January 23, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Michigan Basketball’s reach extends far beyond the NBA. While the Wolverines continue producing professional talent, dozens of former players are also making names for themselves across Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. Some are former stars who spent years in the NBA before heading overseas, while others are just beginning their professional journeys.
Here’s a look at where former Wolverines are playing outside the NBA.
Trey Burke (2011-13)
Most recent club: Astros de Jalisco (Mexico)
17.3 P, 2.7 R, 3.6 A
The 2013 National Player of the Year is still doing what he has always done — scoring. Burke helped lead one of Mexico’s top clubs while proving there’s still plenty left in the tank.
Ignas Brazdeikis (2018-19)
Most recent club: Žalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)
6.4 P, 2.2 R, 1.1 A
Brazdeikis has become a fixture in European basketball after his NBA stint. Playing for one of Lithuania’s premier clubs has kept him competing at one of the highest levels outside the NBA.
Eli Brooks (2017-22)
Most recent club: BAXI Manresa (Spain)
12.2 P, 2.6 R, 3.7 A
Few Wolverines played more games than Brooks, and his steady winning style has translated overseas. He continues to carve out a role in Spain’s top league.
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (2014-18)
Most recent club: Treviso Basket (Italy)
12.1 P, 2.6 R, 3.0 A
One of the leaders of Michigan’s 2018 national runner-up team has quietly built one of the most consistent overseas careers of any former Wolverine. Abdur-Rahkman continues to play in top European leagues and remains a reliable veteran guard.
Chaundee Brown Jr. (2020-21)
Most recent club: London Lions (United Kingdom)
11.9 P, 4.1 R, 1.0 A
Brown’s physical style and scoring ability have helped him build a successful international career after earning opportunities with the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks organizations.
Zak Irvin (2013-17)
Most recent club: Manchester Basketball (United Kingdom)
6.7 P, 4.9 R, 1.0 A
Irvin has become a basketball journeyman, continuing his career in the United Kingdom after stops across several other countries.
Brandon Johns Jr. (2018-22)
Most recent club: Sporting CP (Portugal)
13.7 P, 7.1 R, 2.0 A
Johns has continued developing overseas, using his versatility and athleticism to earn consistent minutes in Portugal.
DeVante’ Jones (2021-22)
Most recent club: Dolomiti Energia Trento (Italy)
13.8 P, 2.7 R, 3.9 A
Jones has flourished in Europe since leaving Michigan, becoming one of the better point guards in Italy while helping Trento compete near the top of Serie A.
Jaelin Llewellyn (2022-24)
Most recent club: Newcastle Eagles (England)
After injuries limited his impact in Ann Arbor, Llewellyn has received a fresh start overseas and continues his professional career in England.
Jordan Morgan (2009-14)
Most recent club: Suwon KT Sonicboom (South Korea)
Morgan has put together one of the longest international careers of any former Wolverine, spending more than a decade playing throughout Europe and Asia.
Olivier Nkamhoua (2023-24)
Most recent club: Pallacanestro Varese (Italy)
16.1 P, 5.6 R, 1.9 A
Nkamhoua’s athleticism and experience made him a natural fit overseas. He’s now playing in one of Europe’s premier domestic leagues.
Glenn Robinson III (2012-14)
Most recent club: Al Sharjah (United Arab Emirates)
27.8 P, 7.0 R, 3.8 A
After nearly a decade in the NBA, Robinson has continued his career overseas, bringing veteran experience and scoring ability to the UAE.
Zavier Simpson (2016-20)
Most recent club: Ningbo Rockets (China)
18.1 P, 4.5 R, 7.0 A
Michigan fans still remember Simpson’s trademark hook shot, and Simpson has continued to showcase his playmaking ability professionally, most recently in China.
Mike Smith (2020-21)
Most recent club: Bursaspor (Turkey)
15.2 P, 1.8 R, 5.1 A
Smith’s quickness and creativity have helped him establish himself in Europe. The former Elite Eight point guard now plays in Turkey’s top league.
Derrick Walton Jr. (2013-17)
Most recent club: Capitanes de Arecibo (Puerto Rico)
12.8 P, 3.5 R, 7.5 A
Walton continues to prove why he’s enjoyed such a long professional career. After previous stops in Australia, China and Israel, he’s now running the offense in Puerto Rico.
D.J. Wilson (2014-17)
Most recent club: Cangrejeros de Santurce (Puerto Rico)
15.8 P, 9.8 R, 3.0 A
Wilson’s length and versatility continue to translate well professionally. The former first-round pick remains a productive front court player overseas.
Joey Baker (2022-23)
Most recent club: KK Borac Zemun (Serbia)
11.8 P, 3.7 R, 0.9 A
After beginning his professional career in Lithuania and spending time in the G League and Australia, Baker most recently suited up in Serbia. His shooting ability continues to make him an attractive international option.
Rubin Jones (2024-25)
Most recent club: SK Slavia Praha (Czech Republic)
18.2 P, 4.8 R, 4.6 A
Jones wasted little time making an impact in his first professional season. The former Wolverine guard has become one of Slavia Praha’s top all-around players, showcasing the defensive toughness and versatility fans saw during his lone season in Ann Arbor.
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