THE FLATS – Neither was drafted, but Jose Alvarado and Moses Wright are moving up the NBA ladder … Thaddeus Young’s outlook positive for the Raptors … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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ARROWS POINTING UP FOR MOSES WRIGHT, JOSE ALVARADO
Both Moses Wright and Jose Alvarado missed out on the dream of having their names called in the NBA draft in July. It would be practically impossible, though, to say that their decisions to forgo their extra season of college eligibility at Georgia Tech haven’t worked out really well.
On Thursday, Wright agreed to a two-way deal with the Dallas Mavericks after a standout start in the G League, reported first by The Athletic and confirmed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The contract enables him to play for Dallas and its G League affiliate without taking a spot on the Mavericks’ roster.
And, after a remarkable start to his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans, Alvarado’s salary has been converted from the compensation of a two-way contract to that of a regular one-year minimum-salary contract with the hopes of a full conversion coming soon, Octagon Basketball agent Ron Shade told the AJC.
More from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Congratulations to @mant12_ for signing a two-way contract with the @dallasmavs 💪💪#TogetherWeSwarm pic.twitter.com/2XF0Ehq2OW
— Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball (@GTMBB) February 24, 2022
Okogie. Alvarado. Wright. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ recruits to The NBA. #5StarPlayerDevelopment 🐝🏀 https://t.co/MKwlnQAS1d
— Julian Swartz 🐝🏀 (@GTCoachSwartz) February 25, 2022
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ALVARADO EXPLAINS HIS JERSEY NUMBER
“Freshman year of high school, I wanted No. 3, but they didn’t have it available, so I took 15, and then I won the whole thing, the freshman championship game. The next year I went to varsity and an older guy had 15, so I had to change to 10. (In New Orleans my first preference) was 10, but Jaxson (Hayes) has 10. So I went with 15, and hopefully it (ultimately) ends the same, with a championship. [smiles] I wore 10 in college.”
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ALVARADO CRACHES MARDI GRAS
WDSU-TV’s Fletcher Mackel and Sharief Ishaq dressed up as Jose Alvarado and Herb Jones for the annual Argus parade.
Jose Alvarado saw the coverage on social media, and decided to come out to the parade to say hello.
Jose Alvarado Crashed the WDSU Metairie Mardi Gras Coverage pic.twitter.com/cMWKkj4NfI
— Main Team (@MainTeamSports2) March 1, 2022
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HOW DOES YOUNG FIT IN TO RAPTORS DOWN THE STRETCH
Thaddeus Young is only going to get better as he learns the Raptors’ system, writes Oren Weisfeld of Yahoo!Sports, and becomes more familiar with his teammates, while simultaneously rediscovering his conditioning after playing just three times for the San Antonio Spurs since the start of the new year. But the time for easing him into the rotation is gone, as the Raptors need Young to play big minutes and to fill a big hole with Anunoby out, and they need him to do it immediately.
The good news is that Young is a natural fit for the Raptors. The 6-foot-8 forward with a 7-foot wingspan is a legitimately versatile player who can handle the ball, shoot the corner three, make plays for his teammates, go to work in the post, and get his hands in passing lanes on the defensive end. He thrives in the areas the Raptors already thrive, namely in transition, in the post, and on the offensive glass. And he brings the ability to act as a connector for a second unit in desperate need of someone to set up a group of play-finishers, which is exactly why he could be so useful when it comes to improving the bench scoring.
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YOUNG HAS BEST PERFORMANCE IN RAPTORS UNIFORM
Thaddeus Young finished last Saturday night’s tilt with 10 points (4-8 FG, 1-1 3PT, 1-3 FT), two rebounds, three assists, and two steals to go along with one turnover in 22 minutes of action in the Raptors’ 100-127 loss to the Hawks.
While the performance was beneficial for the Raptors and for Young, the fantasy experts are not so sure.
Young closed with 11 points (4-9 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 23 minutes during Tuesday’s 109-108 victory over Brooklyn.
Young led all bench players with 23 minutes in the victory, a sign that he is slowly but surely moving up the pecking order in Toronto.
Meanwhile, Young moved ahead of Julius Erving for 48th place on the all-time NBA list for steals with 1,509. He’s now five away from Rajon Rondo.
Thaddeus Young has passed Goran Dragic on the Raptors’ all-time scoring list. pic.twitter.com/ydWNQQQeVV
— Chris Walder (@WalderSports) March 2, 2022
Thaddeus Young made zero 3-pointers in 370 minutes with the Spurs.
He has three in his last 29 minutes with the Raptors.
— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) March 1, 2022
#ProJackets on Social Media
This is pretty cool lol. Hey, Mama look I’m in the video game that you always use to tell me to go to sleep and stop playing lol. Crazy how the world work ❗️😂🤞🏼 https://t.co/AAaMXRArHI
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) March 1, 2022
People Congratulate Me, I Just Tell Them God Is Good, All The Time. pic.twitter.com/yYZRz38hgk
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) February 28, 2022
Jose Alvarado went from playing NBA 2K to now being on the game. (via @AlvaradoJose15) pic.twitter.com/GaQ2DUmoeN
— SLAM Gaming (@SLAMftw) March 3, 2022
Thaddeus Young back in Brooklyn tonight @yungsmoove21
🎥 by the amazing @dbearak pic.twitter.com/xJVEczy82u
— Cody Mallory (@RealCodyMallory) March 1, 2022
The grind never stops. Best part is TJ and Taylor working in tandem to rebound for Popz… 🤝🏾👏🏾🔥 https://t.co/nXzBiBNI9m
— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) February 21, 2022
History Day! #LeaveIt
🔥🔥🔥
Will this ever be broken? ShootersParadise!
I used to visit Hershey Park every summer as a kid. pic.twitter.com/J25JSvlSFO— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) March 3, 2022
Center Court on @NBATV pic.twitter.com/Xeip3FJPw8
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) March 1, 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 February 18, 2022
Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991, graduated ‘2010, plays pro in the NBA) could not help the Oklahoma City Thunder (18-40) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the Oklahoma City Thunder (18-40) lost100-87on the road to the Philadelphia 76ers. Favors was the top scorer with 16 points. He also added 9 rebounds and made 3 blocks in 28 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only Favors’ first season in pro basketball. This year Favors averages 5.3ppg and 4.7rpg in 38 games he played so far.
Joshua Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, graduated ‘2017, plays in Belgium) was not able to help one of league’s weakest teams Stella Artois Leuven Bears (9-8) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite his very good performance Stella Artois Leuven Bears was defeated 92-87 in Charleroi by the higher-ranked Spirou (#5). Heath was the top scorer with 24 points. He also added 4 passes. Heath’s team will play only one more game in the BNXT League Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Heath has relatively good stats this season 13.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.9apg and 1.3spg.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, graduated ‘2018, currently in Germany) contributed to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Hakro Merlins (12-7) crushing them 106-74 in the German BBL on Sunday night. Lammers scored 9 points in 22 minutes. ALBA Berlinis placed first in the BBL. This year Lammers averages 7.4ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.1bpg in 12 games.
Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, graduated ‘2016, plays pro in the NBA G League) was not able to secure a victory for the College Park SkyHawks (8-9) in their last game on Monday. Despite Georges-Hunt’s very good performance the College Park SkyHawks (#10) were defeated 137-128 in Fort Wayne by the Mad Ants. He recorded 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Georges-Hunt has relatively good stats this season 10.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.1apg and 1.1spg. He is a naturalized Virgin Islander.
Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, graduated ‘2007, plays in the NBA) contributed to a Toronto Raptors’ victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves (31-28) 103-91 in the NBA last Wednesday. He scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. The Toronto Raptors have 32-25 record this season. This year Young averages 7.0ppg and 4.5rpg in two games.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, graduated ‘2021, currently in the NBA) helped New Orleans Pelicans win their game against the Toronto Raptors crushing them 120-90 in the NBA on Monday night. He scored 6 points and added 4 assists. This season Alvarado averages 5.1ppg, 1.5rpg and 2.0apg.
Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988, graduated ‘2010, plays pro in France) couldn’t help Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket in their game against Le Mans in the French Betclic ELITE ProA. He scored 8 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 22 minutes. His team lost 64-79. Lawal has relatively good stats this year 13.7ppg and 6.4rpg in 20 games. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998, graduated ‘2020, plays in the NBA G League) helped Texas Legends win their game against the Santa Cruz Warriors 112-97 in the NBA G League last Thursday. He recorded 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. This season Banks III averages 4.7ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.3bpg.
Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, graduated ‘2005, currently in Japan) helped Shinshu BW win their game against the fourth-ranked Hiroshima Dragonflies 86-72 in the Japanese B1 League on Saturday night. He recorded 9 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 21 minutes. McHenry has relatively good stats this year 11.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.6apg and 1.5spg in 35 games.
Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-F-1994, graduated ‘2019, plays pro in Israel) led I.Ramat Gan to an easy victory against the league outsider M.Hod Hasharon crushing them 90-56 in the Israeli National League (second division) in Tuesday night’s game. Gueye recorded 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. It was his first game for I.Ramat Gan this season.
Other former Georgia Institute of Technology players, who play in pro basketball:
- Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-87) plays for Chemidor in Iranian Superleague
- Moses Wright (6’9”-F-98) plays for Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA
- Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-98) plays for Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA
- Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-91) plays for Fujian Sturgeons in Chinese CBA
- Joshua Heath (6’1”-PG-94) plays for Stella Artois Leuven Bears in Belgian BNXT League
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-91) plays for M.Haifa in Israeli National League
- Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-95) plays for Usti n/Labem in Czech Republic NBL
- Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-91) plays for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League
- Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-93) played for Dorados de Chihuahua in Mexican LNBP last year
- James White (6’9”-F-93) played for Mauricio Baez in Dominican Rep. TBS last year
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-99) plays for New Bayazet in Armenian Caucasus BL
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-F-94) plays for Konyaspor in Turkish TBL
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-92) plays for Yamaguchi in Japanese B3 League
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-98) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G 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.