Bears Across the Globe: Former Morgan State Standouts Building Professional Basketball Careers Worldwide

By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog

Morgan State basketball’s reach extends far beyond Hill Field House.

Former Bears are continuing their careers throughout Australia, Canada, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East, giving Morgan State one of the more extensive international professional pipelines in HBCU basketball.

The latest group includes established veterans such as DeWayne Jackson, Phil Carr and Tiwian Kendley, rising international contributors Troy Baxter Jr., Stanley Davis Jr. and Myles Douglas, and recent Morgan State standouts Rob Lawson, Kameron Hobbs and Will Thomas beginning the next chapters of their careers.

Baxter and Davis provided the most recent examples of that success with productive performances in Australia’s NBL1 North and the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Morgan State also identified nine additional former Bears playing or preparing to play professionally overseas.

The professional destinations may differ, but each player carries a connection to Baltimore and a Morgan State program that continues to help athletes extend their basketball careers beyond the college level.

Troy Baxter Jr. Continues to Make an Impact in Australia

Troy Baxter Jr. remains one of the most accomplished Morgan State players competing professionally.

The 6-foot-9 forward joined the Southern Districts Spartans in Australia’s NBL1 North after previously playing in Qatar and several other international leagues. Through his first seven appearances with Southern Districts, Baxter averaged 13.7 points, four rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

Baxter recorded eight points, three assists and two rebounds in 17 minutes during a 109-95 loss to the Northside Wizards. Southern Districts fell to 6-8 while fighting to remain in the postseason race with two regular-season games remaining.

His value, however, goes beyond one box score.

Baxter gives the Spartans an athletic frontcourt player who can finish above the rim, run the floor, protect the basket and stretch a defense. His mobility and explosiveness have allowed him to play multiple frontcourt positions throughout his professional career.

Morgan State fans remember Baxter as one of the MEAC’s most dynamic forwards.

After transferring to Morgan State, Baxter averaged 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds during the 2019-20 season. His 1.9 blocked shots per game ranked second in the MEAC.

Baxter elevated his production during the 2020-21 campaign, averaging 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. He earned first-team All-MEAC and MEAC All-Defensive Team honors while helping lead the Bears.

National audiences also became familiar with Baxter when he won the 2021 college slam dunk championship. Baxter later received the MEAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year award, recognizing his combination of athletic performance, academics and community involvement.

Baxter’s professional journey has taken him through multiple countries and leagues. That willingness to adapt has become one of the defining traits of his career.

Overseas basketball often requires players to adjust quickly to different styles, coaching systems, travel schedules and roster expectations. Baxter’s athleticism translates anywhere, but his ability to fill several roles has helped him continue finding opportunities.

Stanley Davis Jr. Emerging as a Key Guard in Canada

Stanley Davis Jr. has developed into one of Morgan State’s most productive professional guards.

Davis scored 21 points while helping the Edmonton Stingers defeat the Saskatchewan Rattlers, 105-103. The victory marked Edmonton’s third straight and moved the Stingers to 6-7.

Davis added three rebounds and an assist in 26 minutes. Through nine appearances, he averaged 13.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

Those numbers illustrate Davis’ complete impact.

The former Morgan State guard can score from the perimeter, attack off the dribble, facilitate for teammates and disrupt opposing guards defensively. His 1.6 steals per game show how effectively he can turn defensive pressure into transition opportunities.

Davis played a major role for Morgan State during the 2019-20 season. He started 29 of 30 games and averaged 13.7 points, six rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Davis shot 48.5 percent from the floor and 78.4 percent at the free-throw line. He scored in double figures 25 times and produced a 28-point, 11-rebound performance against Chestnut Hill.

That season earned Davis third-team All-MEAC recognition.

Davis’ strength as a college player was his versatility. At 6-foot-5, he could defend several positions while creating offense as either a primary or secondary ball handler.

That versatility remains valuable in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, where teams frequently play at a fast pace and require guards to contribute in several statistical areas.

Edmonton has relied on Davis for consistent production rather than occasional scoring outbursts. His ability to contribute points, rebounds, assists and steals has made him an important part of the Stingers’ rotation.

DeWayne Jackson Remains Part of Morgan State’s Professional Legacy

Few former Bears have built a longer international career than DeWayne Jackson.

Jackson, a 6-foot-8 forward from the Morgan State Class of 2013, has continued his career with Homentmen in Lebanon.

The Bowie native starred at Morgan State from 2009 through 2013 and developed into one of the MEAC’s top two-way forwards.

Jackson possessed the size to battle inside but also had the athleticism and skill to attack from the perimeter. His length made him disruptive defensively, while his scoring ability allowed Morgan State to use him in several different offensive roles.

His longevity overseas speaks to his professionalism.

International clubs generally use limited roster spots on American players and expect immediate production. Players must consistently perform to earn contracts from season to season.

Jackson has continued to do exactly that.

His career provides a strong example for current Morgan State players. The NBA remains the most visible professional destination, but international basketball can provide meaningful opportunities, competitive salaries and long careers for players willing to embrace the experience.

Phil Carr Continues Producing in Brazil

Phil Carr has become another veteran representative of Morgan State basketball overseas.

Carr has played for UniFacisa Paraíba in Brazil’s Novo Basquete Brasil, one of South America’s strongest domestic leagues.

The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 7.7 points and six rebounds during a portion of the 2025-26 season. He recorded seven points and five rebounds in 20 minutes during a 101-91 victory over Cruzeiro.

Earlier in the season, Carr contributed seven points and seven rebounds as UniFacisa earned a 64-59 upset over Brasília.

Carr earned first-team All-MEAC honors at Morgan State in 2018. His college game centered on rebounding, activity around the basket and the ability to score in the midrange or paint.

Those skills have carried into professional basketball.

Carr does not need a high volume of shots to affect a game. He can create second-chance opportunities, defend physical forwards and provide interior toughness.

His career has included stops in several countries and illustrates the value of becoming a dependable frontcourt player. Teams throughout international basketball consistently seek forwards who can rebound, defend and play within a structured offense.

Carr has remained valuable because he provides all three.

Myles Douglas Finds His Scoring Touch in Poland

Myles Douglas has established himself as a productive scorer for Żubry Białystok in Poland’s second division.

The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 15.2 points and 4.9 rebounds during the 2025-26 season. Douglas scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds in a game against Kociewskie Diabły, continuing a strong offensive stretch.

Douglas gives his club a forward who can score from several areas.

His size allows him to finish over smaller defenders, while his perimeter skill makes him difficult for traditional frontcourt players to guard. Douglas can also rebound and push the ball in transition, creating matchup problems before opposing defenses get set.

Douglas spent the 2021-22 season with Morgan State after transferring from Saint Peter’s.

Although his time in Baltimore was brief, he used the opportunity to display the athleticism and scoring versatility that eventually carried him into professional basketball.

Poland’s first division and second division have become frequent destinations for American players seeking to establish themselves in Europe. Strong production at that level can open opportunities in other European countries.

Douglas’ scoring numbers should continue to attract attention.

Lewis Djonkam Develops Into a Reliable Professional Big Man

Lewis Djonkam has made a significant impact with Târgu Jiu in Romania.

Djonkam averaged 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds across 36 appearances during his first season with the club. He also recorded 14 points and four rebounds in 20 minutes during a 92-70 victory over Galați.

Earlier in the season, Djonkam played all 40 minutes and finished with 19 points and eight rebounds during a narrow 88-87 loss to Timișoara.

The 6-foot-9 forward and center has developed into an efficient interior contributor.

During his first season at Morgan State, Djonkam started 29 of 31 games and averaged 7.9 points and 3.4 rebounds. He shot 54.3 percent from the floor and displayed surprising perimeter touch, making 29 of his 58 attempts from 3-point range.

Djonkam also averaged 1.1 assists and one steal while scoring in double figures eight times.

That shooting ability separates Djonkam from many players his size.

Modern international offenses often ask centers and power forwards to move away from the basket, set screens, make quick passes and punish defenses that leave them open. Djonkam’s combination of size and touch makes him a natural fit.

Lagio Grantsaan Continues His European Journey

Lagio Grantsaan has continued building a professional career that has taken him through Iceland and the Netherlands.

Morgan State’s July update listed the 6-foot-8 forward with Ármann in Iceland’s Subway League. Earlier reports also connected Grantsaan with BAL Weert in the Netherlands.

Grantsaan played at Morgan State from 2019 through 2022 and provided frontcourt depth, physicality and rebounding.

His professional journey highlights the constant movement that can occur in international basketball. Players frequently change teams or countries as contracts conclude and new roster openings become available.

Grantsaan’s ability to play either forward position gives him options. He can defend bigger players, rebound and operate as a face-up scorer.

Kameron Hobbs Takes His Game to Slovenia

Kameron Hobbs is set to continue his career with Hopsi Polzela in Slovenia’s Liga OTP banka.

The 5-foot-10 point guard played at Morgan State from 2022 through 2025 and became one of the MEAC’s most efficient perimeter shooters.

During the 2022-23 season, Hobbs averaged 8.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals. He shot 44.7 percent from the floor and an outstanding 45 percent from 3-point range, making 45 of 100 attempts.

Hobbs’ combination of shooting and ball handling should translate well to Slovenia.

European teams value guards who can make decisions in the pick-and-roll, protect the basketball and punish defenders who go under screens. Hobbs has the skill set to handle all three responsibilities.

His size may be considered a limitation in some settings, but his quickness, shooting and experience allow him to compensate.

Will Thomas Begins His Career in Ireland

Baltimore native Will Thomas is continuing his basketball career with St. Vincent’s in Ireland’s Super League.

Thomas developed into one of Morgan State’s most dependable forwards.

During the 2022-23 season, Thomas averaged 8.9 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 43.4 percent from the field. He scored at least 20 points five times and recorded a career-high 27 points with 11 rebounds against Norfolk State.

Thomas later produced a 25-point performance against Coppin State, shooting 10-for-20 while adding five rebounds and three assists.

At 6-foot-6, Thomas offers positional flexibility. He can play on the wing, defend forwards and score inside against smaller opponents.

Ireland’s Super League should provide Thomas with an opportunity to receive meaningful minutes and establish himself as a professional.

Rob Lawson Signs First Professional Contract

Rob Lawson became the latest Morgan State guard to sign professionally when he agreed to join KK Tajfun Šentjur in Slovenia’s Liga OTP banka.

The agreement marks Lawson’s first professional contract. Despite an incorrect country reference in the title of Morgan State’s initial announcement, Šentjur competes in Slovenia, and both Morgan State’s report and subsequent club coverage identified Lawson as joining the Slovenian league.

Lawson played at Morgan State from 2022 through 2026 and developed into a veteran floor general.

The Capitol Heights native brought quickness, toughness and defensive pressure to the Bears’ backcourt. Lawson could initiate the offense, create his own shot and defend opposing point guards.

Lawson’s professional opportunity also shows that NBA-level size is not required to earn a contract.

Reliable ball handling, shooting, defensive effort and leadership remain valuable throughout European basketball.

Tiwian Kendley Brings NBA G League Experience to The Basketball Tournament

Tiwian Kendley remains one of the most recognizable former Morgan State guards.

Kendley was listed with Magic Show for The Basketball Tournament, the annual winner-take-all summer event featuring former college and professional players.

The 6-foot-5 guard earned first-team All-MEAC honors in 2017 and became an elite scorer during his time at Morgan State.

Kendley later received an opportunity with the Washington Wizards before playing in the NBA G League for the Capital City Go-Go, Windy City Bulls, South Bay Lakers and Wisconsin Herd.

Kendley scored 30 points for Wisconsin during a 2022 game against the Westchester Knicks. His professional career has also included stops in Mexico and Kosovo.

The Basketball Tournament provides Kendley another national stage to display his scoring ability and professional experience.

Keith McGee Continues Career in Cameroon

Keith McGee has continued his professional career with KSA in Cameroon’s Division II.

McGee played at Morgan State during the 2021-22 season and brought experience to the Bears after previous college stops.

The 6-foot-3 guard offers scoring ability, ball handling and the physical strength to compete against larger perimeter players.

Cameroon represents another example of the expanding professional basketball market throughout Africa. The continent has increased its basketball investment through domestic leagues, development programs and the Basketball Africa League.

Players who perform well in domestic competition can create opportunities throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Morgan State’s International Footprint Continues to Grow

Morgan State’s group of professional players includes scorers, rebounders, defensive specialists, veteran leaders and young players beginning their careers.

Their paths are not identical.

Some became All-MEAC performers. Others filled important roles before developing further after college. Several transferred to Morgan State after beginning their careers elsewhere. Others spent most or all of their college careers in Baltimore.

The common thread is that Morgan State provided them with a stage.

Professional basketball does not begin and end with the NBA. Hundreds of high-level leagues operate throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Canada, Latin America and the Middle East.

Those leagues offer former college players opportunities to continue competing, travel the world and build long-term careers.

Morgan State’s current list stretches from Australia to Brazil and from Canada to Slovenia. That global presence reflects well on the players, coaches and support staff who helped prepare them.

MSB Take

Morgan State should celebrate every one of these professional opportunities.

College basketball success is often measured by conference championships, postseason appearances and rivalry victories. Those accomplishments matter, but player development also represents an important part of a program’s identity.

The Bears are helping players continue their careers.

Baxter became an All-MEAC star and nationally recognized dunk champion. Davis has developed into a productive two-way guard in Canada. Carr and Jackson have created impressive longevity overseas. Douglas and Djonkam are posting strong numbers in Europe. Lawson, Hobbs and Thomas are beginning new professional chapters.

That is a meaningful legacy.

Every former Bear who signs a contract becomes an example for Morgan State’s current roster and future recruits. Players can see tangible proof that performing at Hill Field House can open doors throughout the basketball world.

Morgan State basketball is not only representing Baltimore and the MEAC during the college season.

The Bears are representing both throughout the world.