Utah State Men's Basketball Alumni Thriving in International Competitions

Thirteen former Utah State men's basketball players, including two in the NBA, are currently playing professionally on teams worldwide. These players have achieved impressive stats, with some leading their teams in various categories. Among them are Sam Merrill and Neemias Queta, who are making significant contributions to their NBA teams.

Key Takeaways:

Sam Merrill, a Utah State alumnus, is averaging 17.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025-26 season.
Neemias Queta, another Utah State alumnus, is averaging 8.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game for the Boston Celtics in the 2025-26 season.
Darius Brown II, a Utah State alumnus, is set to open the 2025-26 NBA G-League season with the Cleveland Charge on November 7 against the Iowa Wolves.
Taylor Funk, a Utah State alumnus, will also be participating in the 2025-26 NBA G-League season with the San Diego Clippers, opening against the Stockton Kings on November 8.
Dexter Akanno, a Utah State alumnus, is playing in his first professional season with the VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier in the German BBL, averaging 2.7 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game.
Dan Akin, a Utah State alumnus, is playing in his third professional season with the Kolossos BC in the Greek Basketball League, averaging 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest.
Justin Bean, a Utah State alumnus, is in his fourth professional season with Alba Berlin in the German BBL, averaging 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
Diogo Brito, a Utah State alumnus, is playing in his fifth professional season with Monbus Obradoiro in Spain's LEB Gold, averaging 4.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
Kris Clark, a Utah State alumnus, is playing in his 18th professional season with Nakhchivan in the Azerbaijani Basketball League, averaging 3.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game.
RJ Eytle-Rock, a Utah State alumnus, is in his third professional season and first as a player-coach with the EJ Sligo All-Stars in the Irish Men's Super League.
Aubin Gateretse, a Utah State alumnus, is playing in his first professional season with Limburg United in Belgium's BNXT League, averaging 3.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per contest.
Brandon Horvath, a Utah State alumnus, is playing in his fourth professional season with BC Gargzdai-SC in the Lithuanian Basketball League, averaging 9.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Ian Martinez, a Utah State alumnus, is playing in his first professional season with Elitzur Yavne in the Israeli National League, averaging 23.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per contest.
Chris Smith, a Utah State alumnus, is playing in his 10th professional season with Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japanese B1 League, averaging 19.9 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Statistics:

Sam Merrill has started every game for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025-26 season, ranking second in the league in made 3-pointers with 18.
Neemias Queta has started each of Boston's four games in the 2025-26 season, ranking third in the league in blocks with eight and seventh in offensive rebounds with 14.
Ian Martinez has averaged 23.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per contest for Elitzur Yavne in the Israeli National League.
Chris Smith has averaged 19.9 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game for Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japanese B1 League.

Sources:

Utah State University Department of Athletics, news release.
Cleveland Cavaliers, official website.
Boston Celtics, official website.
Cleveland Charge, official website.
San Diego Clippers, official website.
VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier, official website.
Kolossos BC, official website.
Alba Berlin, official website.
Monbus Obradoiro, official website.
Nakhchivan, official website.
EJ Sligo All-Stars, official website.
Limburg United, official website.
BC Gargzdai-SC, official website.
Elitzur Yavne, official website.
Hiroshima Dragonflies, official website.