ST. LOUIS – There are 12 former Billiken men's basketball players currently playing in the professional ranks. As the 2015-16 gets under way, here is a listing of Billikens playing around the world.
Brian Conklin (2008-12)
Conklin, who was named MVP of Australia's NBL last season, returns to the Townsville Crocodiles after playing in Costa Rica during Australia's offseason. He had a hand in Townsville signing former Billiken teammate Jordair Jett. The Crocodiles begin their season Oct. 11 against New Zealand.
Cody Ellis (2009-13)
After playing most recently with the Sydney Kings and Stirling Senators, Ellis has moved to the Illawarra Hawks of Australia's NBL. The Hawks, who also feature former Billiken Kevin Lisch, start play Oct. 11 against Melbourne.
Dwayne Evans (2010-14)
Evans has signed with Gladiators Trier in the ProA division in Germany, the second-highest professional league in the country. Trier begins play Sept. 26 against Baunach.
Jordair Jett (2010-14)
Jett will be reunited with Billiken teammate Brian Conklin with the Townsville Crocodiles in Australia's NBL. The Crocs get the season under way Oct. 11 against New Zealand.
Kevin Lisch (2005-09)
Lisch, who was named MVP of Australia's NBL in 2012 as a member of the Perth Wildcats, returns to Australia as a member of the Illawarra Hawks. Previously, he played in Puerto Rico, France and Spain. Lisch will be teammates with former Billiken Cody Ellis in Illawarra. They begin the season Oct. 11 against Melbourne.
Rob Loe (2010-14)
Loe, who played in Greece last season, is now playing for Limburg United in Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium. The team, founded just last year, plays in the Belgian Basketball League. Loe was once again part of New Zealand's National Team setup as he played for the Tall Blacks in the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championships.
Mike McCall Jr. (2010-14)
McCall signed with Deportivo Ciudad Quevedo Los Rios, which plays in the National League in Ecuador. He played most recently with the Iowa Energy in the NBA D-League.
Kwamain Mitchell (2008-13)
Mitchell is continuing his solid career in Europe as a member of BK Ventspils in Latvia. Previously, Mitchell was named MVP in the Czech Republic, and last year he played in Poland. Mitchell and the Ventspils begin play in early October.
Marque Perry (1999-2003)
Perry has enjoyed a long and prosperous professional career and is awaiting his next assignment. Perry's career, which started in Roanoke in the NBA D-League, has taken him to Greece, Italy, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Latvia and Israel.
Willie Reed (2008-10)
After dominating the NBA D-League and making several stops overseas, Reed was signed this offseason by the Brooklyn Nets. While he has been on rosters of the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, he has yet to appear in an NBA game. If Reed does, he will become the first Billiken since Larry Hughes (1997-98) to appear in the NBA.
Cory Remekun (2009-13)
Remekun is with Rogaska in Slovenia. Previously, he played in Bosnia, Greece and Germany. Remekun and Rogaska begin their season Oct. 17 against Lastovka.
Ian Vouyoukas (2003-07)
Vouyoukas, aka Ian Vougioukas, has returned to his home country of Greece to play with AEK. Previously, Vouyoukas played half seasons in Turkey and Germany as well as a stint in Russia.
