University of Minnesota Athletics
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Gopher Alums Begin Pro Seasons
10/27/2021 1:01:00 PM | Men's Basketball, M Club
The University of Minnesota is well represented within the pro basketball scene, having nine alums currently playing both here in the United States and internationally this season.
Amir Coffey (played from 2016-19) is in his third professional NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers. In his first two years with the organization, Coffey averaged 3.2 points per game and nine minutes per game. In this early NBA season, Coffey has played in two games and averaged 13.5 minutes and five points per game.
Daniel Oturu (2018-20) signed a contract with the Windy City Bulls in the G League. He is currently participating in training camp, which opened Monday, Oct. 25. Last year with the Clippers, he saw action in 30 games.Â
Austin Hollins (2010-14) played in the NBA Summer League with the Washington Wizards and went on to sign a contract with Crvena Zvezda in Serbia. Jordan Murphy (2016-19) is currently playing in Puerto Rico and Ponce Lions, while Dupree McBrayer (2016-19) is playing in Germany with Nuemberg Falcons BC. Maurice Walker (2011-15) is in his second year with the Leicester Riders in the United Kingdom.
Also scheduled to play professionally this year is Nate Mason (China League), Alihan Demir (Bulgaria) and Bakary Konate (Spain). Mason also played in the NBA Summer League with the Phoenix Suns. Mason and Konate played for the Gophers from 2014-18, while Demir played for the Gophers for one season in 2020.
In addition, the Gophers also have three alumni coaching in the NBA ranks. JB Bickerstaff (1998-2001) began his fifth season as an NBA coach, including his third with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kevin Burleson (1998-2003) is in his third year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Bobby Jackson (1995-97) is the head coach for the Stockton Kings' Sacramento's G League team. Minnesota's all-time leading scorer Mychal Thompson (1974-78) is in his 19th season as the Los Angeles Lakers color commentator. Jim Petersen (1980-84) is in his 22nd year as a broadcaster for the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Quincy Lewis (1995-99) is also a part of the Bally's Network studio crew.Â
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Amir Coffey (played from 2016-19) is in his third professional NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers. In his first two years with the organization, Coffey averaged 3.2 points per game and nine minutes per game. In this early NBA season, Coffey has played in two games and averaged 13.5 minutes and five points per game.
Daniel Oturu (2018-20) signed a contract with the Windy City Bulls in the G League. He is currently participating in training camp, which opened Monday, Oct. 25. Last year with the Clippers, he saw action in 30 games.Â
Austin Hollins (2010-14) played in the NBA Summer League with the Washington Wizards and went on to sign a contract with Crvena Zvezda in Serbia. Jordan Murphy (2016-19) is currently playing in Puerto Rico and Ponce Lions, while Dupree McBrayer (2016-19) is playing in Germany with Nuemberg Falcons BC. Maurice Walker (2011-15) is in his second year with the Leicester Riders in the United Kingdom.
Also scheduled to play professionally this year is Nate Mason (China League), Alihan Demir (Bulgaria) and Bakary Konate (Spain). Mason also played in the NBA Summer League with the Phoenix Suns. Mason and Konate played for the Gophers from 2014-18, while Demir played for the Gophers for one season in 2020.
In addition, the Gophers also have three alumni coaching in the NBA ranks. JB Bickerstaff (1998-2001) began his fifth season as an NBA coach, including his third with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kevin Burleson (1998-2003) is in his third year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Bobby Jackson (1995-97) is the head coach for the Stockton Kings' Sacramento's G League team. Minnesota's all-time leading scorer Mychal Thompson (1974-78) is in his 19th season as the Los Angeles Lakers color commentator. Jim Petersen (1980-84) is in his 22nd year as a broadcaster for the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Quincy Lewis (1995-99) is also a part of the Bally's Network studio crew.Â
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