NCAA Basketball: Notable mid-major Stars heading to Europe in 2019

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 23: A view of Basketballs lined up during warm ups prior to game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Kansas Jayhawks in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 23, 2014 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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BOISE, ID – MARCH 15: Mike Daum #24 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits reacts in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Mike Daum; Forward (South Dakota State)

Club: Monbus Obradoiro (Spain)

It is no secret that Mike Daum arguably had one of the most productive careers in NCAA basketball history. It was definitely the most productive career in the history of the Summit League.

In his senior season, Daum averaged 25.3 ppg and 22.4 ppg throughout his career with Jack Rabbits. In all four of his college years, Daum was named First Team All-Summit League. In three of those seasons, Daum was named Summit League Player of the Year. Daum is also 7th on the list of NCAA-All-Time-Scoring-Leaders.

With his solid 6’9″ frame, Daum was very tough to deal with in the paint. Although he was great down low, his basketball skills are not limited to just underneath the rim. Despite his size, Daum can run the floor like a guard, command the game, and even shoot threes with great form. His size along with his solid jump shot just makes him more difficult to defend.

With Daum being their best and most threatening player, the Jack Rabbits made three tournament apearances from 2016-2018. They were never able to advance beyond the First Round; however, in 2016 the came up just short of Maryland, falling 79-74. Against Ohio State in 2018, they fell 83-74. Against Maryland, Daum was only a freshman and scored 16 points. Aganst Ohio State he had 27.

Daum’s stats and ability to play the game earned him a Summer League opportunity with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was not signed by the NBA, so he is now heading to Monbus Obradoiro of Liga ACB, the top basketball league in Spain, per his Twitter.

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