THE FLATS – MLK Day celebration hits home for Atlanta native Derrick Favors … Thaddeus Young judged one of the NBA’s most underrated players … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
*****
FOR FAVORS, MLK DAY CELEBRATION HITS CLOSE TO HOME
When Thunder center Derrick Favors runs out onto the floor on Monday night in Dallas, he’ll be donning a warmup shirt developed by the NBA that pays homage to a specific moment in American history.
With a script designed after the carrying signs held at a rally just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the shirts will read “NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE JUSTICE A REALITY FOR ALL”, with “HONOR KING” on the back. During the NBA’s celebration of MLK Day, which features 12 games and 24 of the 30 teams in action, the focus will not only be on the basketball, but also on the legacy of King’s fight for equality.
“It’s a special day, a special moment, a special game,” said Favors. “It’s an opportunity to come out there and remember what he represented, remember what he stood for and make that a great day to play basketball.”
While Dr. King’s legacy is honored across America and the NBA always places an extra emphasis on the day, for Favors the celebration hits a little closer to home, literally. As a standout at South Atlanta High School, Favors grew up less than 20 minutes away from Dr. King’s homes on Auburn Avenue and Sunset Avenue, Morehouse College which King attended as an undergraduate, Ebenezer Baptist Church where King served as a minister and Rich’s Department Store where King led a famous sit-in.
When Favors matriculated to Georgia Tech for college, he was within 10 minutes of all those destinations. On MLK Day 2022, which lands two days after what would have been Dr. King’s 93rd birthday, those historic Atlanta landmarks are still revered. These days, there are also countless murals with his face and quotes on them, not to mention the King Center which is just steps away from Dr. King’s birth home and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Park, all within a short drive from where Favors grew up and spends time in the offseason.
Derrick Favors on trade talk: “I think every year I’ve been in the league, my name’s been in trade rumors … I’m pretty much used to it. I don’t really pay attention to it. I try to control what I can control. I try to, like coach says, keep my feet grounded where I’m at.”
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) January 16, 2022
Derrick Favors is here pic.twitter.com/vJxq3yHGq8
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) January 15, 2022
Derrick Favors says he thinks the team is heading in the right direction and says that if he was a younger player he would love to play for the Thunder
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) January 15, 2022
*****
YOUNG CALLED ONE OF NBA’S MOST UNDERRATED PLAYERS
The Chicago Bulls fanbase is pretty fond of Thaddeus Young.
There is a great appreciation for the work he put in for 2 years in Chicago. However, the Bulls had to part ways with him to secure DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs, thus you won’t hear many grumblings considering Deebo is having an MVP season. Young isn’t playing much with the Spurs, but when he does, he is still producing. Perhaps that’s why Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has him regarded as one of the NBA’s most underrated players.
Bailey called Young and end-of-the-bench guy, but that’s not what his per-75-possessions metrics suggest.
“After a legitimate breakout campaign in his age-32 season with the Chicago Bulls, Thaddeus Young has found himself in and out of Gregg Popovich’s rotation with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021-22,” Bailey writes. “When he does get the chance to play, though, he continues to look like a versatile, playmaking big who can defend multiple positions. Since the start of last season, Young has a top-40 assist rate, with averages of 17.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.4 dimes, 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per 75 possessions.”
Yo! We got a Thaddeus Young sighting! #GoSpursGo #PorVida pic.twitter.com/P2s6VScjSt
— Joe Garcia (@twoshotspodcast) January 20, 2022
*****
24 SECONDS: JOSE ALVARADO AT MIDPOINT OF ROOKIE YEAR
This month as part of our “24 Seconds” weekly Q&A series, Pelicans.com is checking in with New Orleans’ rookies to ask them about their adjustment to the professional level, at the halfway mark of the 2021-22 regular season. This week’s edition features undrafted two-way contract player Jose Alvarado, who recently has moved into a role as an every-game member of Willie Green’s rotation.
“I’m at the Garden, I won, and I’m doing the interview with y’all. And my people are right there… you can’t make that up.”
13 points, 4 steals, and 4 assists off the bench. What an incredible evening for Jose Alvarado 💛 @PelicansNBA | #WBD pic.twitter.com/QrQAnj3sst
— Bally Sports New Orleans (@BallySportsNO) January 21, 2022
#ProJackets on Social Media
Join us in wishing James Banks a Happy Birthday! 🥳 #VerusProud @1jamesbanks pic.twitter.com/qQY4oFxzay
— Verus Basketball (@VerusTeam) January 17, 2022
It happened while @GTMBB was playing Saturday, but check this out – Jose Alvarado gets an and-one on Kevin Durant in his hometown of Brooklyn. What a moment. pic.twitter.com/nggKoPsqt7
— Andy Demetra 😷 (@AndyDemetra) January 18, 2022
Jose Alvarado posts best game as a pro Thursday https://t.co/LDCKBiuN1o
— NBC Sports EDGE Basketball (@NBCSEdgeBK) January 14, 2022
Absolutely insane. @DKaragach @imanshumpert pic.twitter.com/Ou57TyNo9o
— Jill Fine (@Jillfinee) January 12, 2022
https://t.co/CYZmyCFP8P pic.twitter.com/2hSm1l9k5o
— Iman. (@imanshumpert) January 16, 2022
#PROJACKETS IN THE NBA/G LEAGUE IN 2023-24
| PLAYER | DATA | NUMBERS | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|
 | JOSE ALVARADO Team: New Orleans Pelicans Number: 15 NBA Experience: 3rd year Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21 Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. Status: Active | 6-0, 179 lbs 2023-24 Stats 7.1 ppg 2.3 rpg 2.1 apg 41.2% FG | Record: 49-33 Standing: 7th place, -8.0 GB Streak: L1 Last 10: 5-5 |
 | JAMES BANKS III Team: Maine Celtics Number: 5 G League Experience: 3rd year Years at Georgia Tech: 2018-20 Hometown: Atlanta, Ga. Status: Active | 6-10, 250 lbs 2023-24 Stats 5.3 ppg 4.7 rpg 1.5 bpg 54.2% FG | Record: 21-13 Standing: 2nd place, -1.0 GB Streak: W1 Last 10: 8-2 |
 | MICHAEL DEVOE Team: Memphis Hustle Number: 10 G League Experience: 2nd year Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21 Hometown: Orlando, Fla. Status: Active | 6-4, 183 lbs 2023-24 Stats 13.9 ppg 3.9 rpg 3.1 apg 47.4% FG | Record: 15-19 Standing: 12th, -9.0 GB Streak: W1 Last 10: 3-7 |
 | DERRICK FAVORS Team: Windy City Bulls (G League) Number: 14 NBA Experience: 12 seasons Years at Georgia Tech: 2009-10 Hometown: Atlanta, Ga. Status: Active | 6-9, 265 lbs 2023-24 Stats 6.2 ppg 4.7 rpg 0.7 bpg 66.7% FG | Record: 15-19 Standing: 13th place, -7.0 GB Streak: L1 Last 10: 4-6 |
 | JOSH OKOGIE Team: Phoenix Suns Number: 2 NBA Experience: 5 seasons Years at Georgia Tech: 2016-18 Hometown: Snellville, Ga. Status: Active | 6-4, 213 lbs 2023-24 Stats 4.6 ppg 2.6 rpg 1.1 apg 41.7% FG | Record: 49-33 Standing: 6th place, -8.0 GB Streak: W3 Last 10: 7-3 |
 | THADDEUS YOUNG Team: free agent Number: 30 NBA Experience: 16 seasons Years at Georgia Tech: 2006-07 Hometown: Memphis, Tenn. Status: Active | 6-8, 235 lbs 2023-24 Stats 4.2 ppg 3.0 rpg 1.7 apg 60.2% FG | Record: 49-33 Standing: 6th place, -8.0 GB Streak: W3 Last 10: 7-3 |
Georgia Tech Eurobasket Report
As of January 17
Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-91, graduated ’14, plays pro in China) could not help Fujian Sturgeons (5-18) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Fujian Sturgeons lost120-109on the road to the much higher-ranked (#8) Loongs. Golden was the top scorer with 46 points. He also added 5 rebounds and dished 9 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) in 40 minutes. It was Fujian Sturgeons’ third consecutive loss in a row. Golden has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages 40.3ppg, 5.9rpg, 10.4apg and 1.3spg in nine games he played so far.
Experienced Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-87, graduated ’09, plays in Iran) was the major contributor in Chemidor’s victory against the fourth-ranked Niroo Zamini (0-16) crushing them 83-63 in a derby game in the Iranian Superleague on Thursday night. He recorded 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Chemidor Tehran (14-2) is placed first in Group E. There are only four games left until the end of the Second Stage. So now every game will be critical. This season Aminu has very high stats. He averages 16.0ppg and 12.0rpg.
Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-94, graduated ’17, currently in Belgium), who plays in Belgium was not able to help Stella Artois Leuven Bears (8-6) in their last game. Despite Heath’s very good performance Stella Artois Leuven Bears lost90-77on the opponent’s court to the leading Oostende. He was the second best scorer with 23 points. Heath also added 7 assists and 5 steals in 36 minutes. It was Stella Artois Leuven Bears’ first loss after three consecutive victories. His team will play only one more game in the BNXT League Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Heath has relatively good stats this year 12.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 6.2apg and 1.4spg in 14 games.
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-92, graduated ’16, plays pro in Israel) led his Israeli team Hapoel UNET Holon to a 2-point victory against the closely-ranked Besiktas (3-3) 72-70 in the Basketball Champions League last Wednesday. Smith scored 11 points and added 3 passes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Hapoel UNET Holon (4-2) is placed second in the Basketball Champions League. It’s Smith’s first season with the team. This year he averages 10.0ppg, 2.0rpg and 2.7apg.
Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-91, graduated ’12, plays in Israel) was not able to secure a victory for one of league’s weakest teams M.Haifa (3-3) in their last game. Despite his very good performance M.Haifa lost88-81in Botevgrad to the second-ranked Balkan. Rice Jr. was the second best scorer with 19 points. He also added 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals in 27 minutes. The Regular Season already ended in the Balkan League. It’s Rice Jr.’s first season with the team. Rice Jr. has very impressive stats this year 16.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.0apg and 2.8spg in four games.
Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-88, graduated ’10, currently in France) led Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket to a victory against the second-ranked JL Bourg 98-97 in the French Betclic ELITE ProA in Saturday night’s game. Lawal recorded 19 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. He has relatively good stats this season 13.9ppg and 6.8rpg. Lawal is a naturalized Nigerian.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-98, graduated ’21, plays pro in the NBA) managed to help New Orleans Pelicans in a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers crushing them 113-89 in the NBA last Thursday. Alvarado recorded only 4 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in 15 minutes. This year he averages 2.4ppg, 1.1rpg and 1.4apg in 16 games.
Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-91, graduated ’10, plays in the NBA) couldn’t help the Oklahoma City Thunder in their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. Favors scored 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His team was defeated 107-102 in the NBA. This season he averages 5.1ppg and 4.6rpg.
Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-95, graduated ’19, currently in Czech Republic) contributed to a Usti n/Labem’s victory against the closely-ranked Decin 77-73 in the Czech Republic NBL in Saturday night’s game. Alston recorded 10 points, 3 assists and 3 steals in 32 minutes. This year he averages 6.7ppg, 2.5rpg and 1.3apg in 17 games.
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-98, graduated ’18, plays pro in the NBA) helped Minnesota Timberwolves win their game against the Houston Rockets 141-123 in the NBA last Sunday. He scored only 4 points. This season Okogie averages 2.6ppg and 2.0rpg. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Other former Georgia Institute of Technology players, who play in pro basketball:
- Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-95) plays for ALBA Berlin in German BBL
- Moses Wright (6’9”-F-98) plays for Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA
- Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-88) plays for San Antonio Spurs in the NBA
- Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-98) plays for SeaHorses Mikawa in Japanese B1 League
- Zachery Peacock (6’8”-F/C-87) plays for FOS Provence Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA
- Kammeon Holsey (6’8”-F-90) plays for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League
- Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-91) plays for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League
- Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-83) plays for Shinshu BW in Japanese B1 League
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-F-94) plays for Konyaspor in Turkish TBL
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-99) plays for New Bayazet in Armenian Caucasus BL
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-98) plays for Birmingham Squadron in the NBA G League
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-92) plays for Yamaguchi in Japanese B3 League
- Shembari Phillips (6’3”-G-97) plays for EPG Baskets Koblenz in German ProB
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
