Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Thunderbirds players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Australian champion Malang Athian, a 6'7'' guard/forward who graduated from Bemidji State in 2025 and previously played at Cloud County between 2020 and 2023, showcased his skills for Geelong United last Saturday. Despite his standout performance, the struggling 17th-placed Geelong United (3-11) suffered a heavy 101-82 defeat on the road against the lower-ranked Miners (#19) in the South group. Athian led his team in scoring with an impressive 21 points in just 15 minutes of play. He continued his strong form against Ballarat Miners, contributing 21 points and 2 rebounds. However, despite his noteworthy contributions, Geelong United ultimately fell short in the game. Throughout this season, the talented athlete has been averaging 7.4 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game. Despite the challenging circumstances, Athian continues to showcase his skills and determination on the court as he strives to make a significant impact for his team.
#2. Cameroonian player Ian Lavalaye, a 24-year-old guard standing at 6'7'' and a Thunderbirds alumni from 2024, showcased his skills in the Australian NBL One second division. Lavalaye, who currently plays professionally in Australia, played a pivotal role in helping the Central Coast Crusaders emerge as the champions against the 11th-ranked Bruins with a score of 86-79 on Sunday night. Despite scoring only 2 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in 11 minutes of play, Lavalaye's contribution was significant. The Central Coast Crusaders, currently placed sixth in the East group with a 7-7 record, secured their fourth consecutive victory, thanks in part to Lavalaye's efforts on the court. In another game against Bankstown B, Lavalaye once again proved his worth by scoring 2 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and providing 2 assists. His performance was instrumental in ensuring his team's success and ultimately helping them emerge as the finalists. Throughout this season, Lavalaye has maintained an average of 3.9 points per game and 2.4 rebounds per game. It is interesting to note that Lavalaye holds both American and Cameroonian citizenship, allowing him to play in Cameroon as a domestic player. His versatility and talent have undoubtedly made him a valuable asset to his team, leading them to victory against tough opponents.
#3. Deon Lyle, a 6'6'' shooting guard who is 29 years old and graduated from UTSA in 2018, showcased his skills in Cloud County between 2015 and 2017, earning the prestigious All-KJCCC D1 First Team award during his time there. Currently playing professionally in the TBL, Lyle recently led the Great Falls Electric to a resounding 132-101 victory over the Grant County Redtails, with his team now holding a 12-6 record this season. In a standout performance, Lyle was named the MVP of the game after scoring 22 points, collecting 8 rebounds, and playing for 36 minutes. This victory marked the seventh consecutive win for the Great Falls Electric, with Lyle's exceptional contributions playing a pivotal role in securing the champion title for his team. Throughout the season, Lyle has been delivering remarkable individual performances, boasting impressive statistics including averaging 25.5 points per game (ranking third best in the league), 9.4 rebounds per game, 5.5 assists per game, and 1.5 steals per game. His consistent excellence on the court has undoubtedly contributed to his team's success this season.
Other former Cloud County Community College players, who play in pro basketball:
Moaz Mohamed (6'5''-G-2000, played in 2022-23) plays for Smouha in Egyptian Superleague
Derek Cooke Jr. (6'9''-F/C-1991, played in 2011-12) plays for M.Raanana in Israeli Winner League
Devon Thomas (6'0''-PG-1994, played in 2014-15) plays for Timisoara in Romanian Liga Nationala
Savian Edwards (6'0''-PG-2001, played in 2020-22) plays for Little Rock Lightning in the TBL
Mamadou Sy (6'5''-F/G-1985, played in 2004-06) played for Cergy Pontoise in French NM2 few monts ago
Shaun Stewart (6'0''-G-1994, played in 2013-14) plays for Hills Hornets in Australian NBL One
Isaiah Sykes (6'7''-G-1991, played in 2023-24) played for Sulaibikhat in Kuwaiti D1 last year
Edoardo Del Cadia (6'8''-F-1999, played in 2018-19) plays for Juvi Cremona in Italian Serie A2
David Acosta (6'10''-F-1999, played in 2019-21) plays for Valls in Spanish Tercera FEB
Sami Sanad (6'6''-F-1998, played in 2019-20) played for Dinamica Gorizia in Italian Serie B Interregionale last year
Edward Dyson III (6'4''-F-1992, played in 2012-13) plays for Glass City Wranglers in the TBL
Adetomi Ayilara (6'10''-F-1998, played in 2015-19) played for Keilor Thunder in Australian NBL One last year
Daniel Moose (5'10''-G , played in 2020-21) plays for Central Kansas Twisters in the MABA
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Cloud County Community College basketball alumni.
