Sept. 17, 2014
Former Vanderbilt men’s basketball players can be found continuing their careers on the hardwood all over the world. There are currently 11 former Vanderbilt players playing professionally.
Three `Dores are in the NBA, while others can be found continuing their careers in countries such as Australia, Germany, Greece, Romania, Spain and Turkey.
The most seasoned Commodore in the professional ranks is Derrick Byars. Byars recently signed with Baloncesto Sevilla in Sevilla, Spain.
Catch up on all the Commodores by reading brief updates below.
2014
Rod Odom
Odom signed to play with KAO Dramas in Dramas, Greece.
2012
John Jenkins
The 23rd overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft, Jenkins is entering his third year with the Atlanta Hawks. Jenkins missed the majority of last season due to a back injury.
Nearly 8 long months since I’ve played in a game. Excited and honored to get back out there again in Vegas. Will never take it for granted!
— John Jenkins (@JohnnyCashVU23) July 9, 2014
Festus Ezeli
Ezeli missed all of last season while recovering from surgery on his right knee. He was the 30th overall selection of the 2012 NBA Draft and has made 41 career starts.
Jeffery Taylor
Taylor will begin his third season with the Charlotte Hornets after being selected 31st overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. Taylor ruptured his Achilles tendon in December after averaging 8.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 26 games last season.
Lance Goulbourne
Goulbourne is signed with Akhisar Belediye in Akhisar, Turkey. He previously played for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA D-League. With the Warriors, Goulbourne averaged 13.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in 21 games. Goulbourne also played with Goyang Orions in South Korea last year.
Steve Tchiengang
Tchiengang is signed to play with BC Timba Timisoara in Timisoara, Romania. Last year he averaged 9.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for the Island Storm of the National Basketball League of Canada.
Brad Tinsley
Tinsley inked with MLP Academics Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany. Last year Tinsley was with the Lakeside Lightning of the State Basketball League in Western Australia. Tinsley averaged 27.2 points and 5.9 assists for Lakeside in 27 games.
2010
Jermaine Beal
Beal is with the Perth Wildcats in Perth, Australia. He averaged 15.5 points and 3.4 assists last year, helping the Wildcats win the league title. Beal was named MVP of the championship series against Adelaide.
Honored and humbled to know a great city like Perth wants me back.Thanks for all the support, means a lot to me. #redarmy #thankyou #blessed
— Jermaine Beal (@DollaBeal) July 17, 2014
A.J. Ogilvy
Ogilvy is with La Bruixa d’Or Manresa in Manresa, Catalonia, Spain. Last year he played with Sydney Kings in Sydney, Australia. While in his native Sydney, Ogilvy averaged 13.1 points and 8.6 rebounds, which led the league.
Very excited to join @BasquetManresa for the upcoming season!
— AJ Ogilvy (@AJ_Ogilvy) September 3, 2014
2008
Alex Gordon
Gordon spent last season with Vestel in Manisa, Turkey, where he averaged 17.7 points and 6.1 assists in 36 games.
2007
Derrick Byars
Byars recently signed a two-year contract with Baloncesto Sevilla in Sevilla, Spain. Last year he played for Belfius Mons-Hainaut in Belgium and the Bakersfield Jam in the NBA D-League. Byars averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 15 games in the NBA D-League.
A blessing to continue seasons 8 (& 9) of my pro career en España w/ @baloncestosevilla. Unique opportunity. New challenge.
— [Derrick Byars] (@OfficialDeeBee) August 14, 2014
Jenkins photo credit: Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images
Ezeli/Taylor photo credit: Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images