NBA opening week, one of the best times of the year, is here. Especially for DeMatha as alumni’s Jerami Grant, Victor Oladipo, Markele Fultz, and more are representing DeMatha on the national stage.

In 2020 Markele Fultz (Class of 2015), who held a basketball camp at DeMatha for the youth this past summer, signed a 3 year 50 million extension with the Orlando Magic. After only playing 18 games in 2021 and 8 games in 2020 the former number 1 pick was looking to have a bounce back season. But Fultz faced a setback on September 25 when it was announced that he had suffered a fracture in his big left toe with no surgery being required. Fultz’s return to play is unknown as it depends on his rehab and treatment.

Class of 2010 Victor Oladipo is currently with the Miami Heat. Oladipo had been battling injuries for the last few years but in the recent playoffs Oladipo was one of the Heat’s best players on both sides. Victor Oladipo resigned this past off-season with the Miami Heat for one year $11 million hoping to continue where he left off.

Senior Darian Simpkins responded when asked if Victor Oladipo can return to his old self this upcoming season “Considering that he’s still fighting for a starting spot currently I don’t think he’ll be all star level, although he is a very good role player for the heat.”

Class of 2012 Jerami is coming off back to back breakout seasons with the Detroit Pistons after signing a 3 year $60 million extension. This past off-season, Jerami Grant was traded to the Portland Trailblazers as they look to get back to being a contending team. The Trailblazers are hoping for Grant to be the 2nd option after Damian Lillard and to bring some much needed defensive energy to the team who ranked last in defense in the previous season.

Oakland Mills senior Justin Martin when asked if Jerami Grant will be an all star this upcoming season. “He won’t be an all-star, that’s not his game, I just think he’ll be a really good fit for the blazers.”

After previous setbacks, these former Stags will all look to bounce back, and be major contributors to their teams success in this upcoming season.