Lopes find pro homes in Germany

Grand Canyon basketball built a pipeline to Germany.

DeWayne Russell and Joshua Braun, who teamed for three GCU seasons as the program moved to Division I, will be playing professionally with clubs in Germany this season. For Russell, it is a return to the country's top league, Basketball Bundesliga, after he re-signed with the Hakro Merlins for a two-year contract. For Braun, it is his second pro contract of the year after being an All-Star performer in Australia's State Basketball League before moving to the ProA league.

Russell began his pro career in France before joining Hakro last year in Craelsheim, where he averaged 11.3 points (third on the team) and 4.2 assists (second on the team) while shooting 50% from the field and 37% from 3-point range. Wearing his familiar No. 0 for the Merlins, Russell began this season with averages of 10.0 points and 5.0 assists as a starter in exhibition play.

"I am very proud to be in Crailsheim for another two years and look forward to the future," Russell told the team website.

Braun will play for Eisbaren Bremerhaven, which plays at the 4,200-seat Bremerhaven Stadthalle. He ranked second in the State Basketball League with a 26.5 scoring average and led the league in 3-point shooting at 45.8 percent for the Kamamunda Eastern Suns. He helped the team reach the playoffs in July while also averaging 8.9 rebounds, ranking ninth in the league.

"I think Josh will be the surprise of the league," Eisbaren Bremerhaven head coach Michael Mai said on the team website. "For a guard, he brings a good size and athleticism. He scores points in various ways, both inside and out, and currently shoots 45% at the 3-point line in Australia. He is also a selfless teammate and a really great person."

Grand Canyon University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Joshua Braun

DeWayne Russell

Related Videos