The names are familiar to anyone who has followed Tech basketball during the past 10 years or so. After wrapping up their careers in Eblen Center, many of them with all-OVC and a variety of other honors, several former Golden Eagle standouts have continued to play basketball on another level.

While the ex-Tech players and their teams may not be household names around the USA like NBA franchises and stars, former Tech standouts such as Damien Kinloch, Belton Rivers, John Best and Lorenzo Coleman have become well-known players in countries around the world.

Their play in Europe, Asia and South America has allowed them to be ambassadors for their alma mater while earning a living playing the game they love.

While the 2007-08 Golden Eagles were locked in the Ohio Valley Conference race, Tech had six former players in action in professional leagues in Spain, Turkey, Luxemburg, Germany, England and France.

Last season, Tech players were also playing in Sweden, the Czech Republic and China.

Active this season include:

• Alex FRANCO ranked second in scoring for Club Baloncesto in Guadalajara, Spain.
• Damien KINLOCH was among league leaders in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots for Alpella in Istanbul, Turkey.
• Larrie SMITH plays for BBC Sparta in Bertrange, Luxembourg.
• Willie JENKINS was averaging in double figures for BG 74 in Goettingen, Germany.

Belton Rivers, seen here in action against Stamford, was active this season with the JSF team in Nanterre, France.

•Sports

Diesel named Florida Athletic Director of the Year

Tech teams win five OVC academic awards in 2006-07

Former Golden Eagles global ambassadors

Tech retires jerseys of Christian, Hagan

Baseball, softball schedules feature plenty of home action

Golfing, fishing on calendars for Golden Eagle activities

New basketball complex coming in 2008

Story of Tech's Drew Hixon included in collection

Football team to play at Louisville, Western Michigan