THE FLATS – New four-year contract is “dream come true” for Jose Alvarado … Thaddeus Young relishing the opportunity to play winning basketball in Toronto … Marcus Georges-Hunt talks about overseas grind and coming back home … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
PLAYOFF PICTURE – Alvarado and the Pelicans currently projected No. 9 seed, Josh Okogie and Timberwolves No. 7 seed, as participants in play-in tournament from the Western Conference … Young and Raptors projected at No. 6 seed from the Eastern Conference … Mavericks project as No. 3 seed in the West
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NEW CONTRACT WITH PELICANS “DREAM COME TRUE” FOR ALVARADO
After a difficult and emotional weekend back-to-back vs. San Antonio and the Lakers, Monday was an off day for New Orleans Pelicans players, a chance to rest up before a long road trip and busy upcoming stretch. Instead of kicking back and relaxing Monday, though, several of Jose Alvarado’s teammates drove to the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, to witness a landmark day in the 23-year-old’s pro career.
After going undrafted and agreeing to a two-way deal last summer that initially meant he’d probably spend much of the 2021-22 season with the Birmingham Squadron in the G League, Alvarado’s contributions to the Pelicans (6.1 ppg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg off the bench) were rewarded yesterday with a new multi-year contract. Brandon Ingram, Willy Hernangomez and Naji Marshall were among the teammates who witnessed the 6-foot point guard’s life-changing moment.
From ESPN.com: Sources told ESPN the contract is for four years with guarantees for the rest of this season and 2022-23, a non-guaranteed season in 2023-24 and a team option for 2024-25. Alvarado becomes extension eligible in March 2024.
Alvarado has seen his minutes tick up over the course of the season. Since the All-Star break, he’s averaging 20.3 minutes per game. In his past eight games, Alvarado is averaging 11.4 points, 5.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 steals and just 0.8 turnovers per game while shooting 48.0%. Alvarado leads all rookies this season in plus-minutes as the Pelicans have been +163 in his 721 minutes this season.
By signing him to their 15th and final roster spot, the Pelicans made Alvarado eligible for the play-in tournament and the playoffs.
Alvarado signs endorsement deal with Waitr – News15
Yes, he got paid 👏@AlvaradoJose15 #WBD pic.twitter.com/MNwNiyLzE0
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 28, 2022
JOSE DAY!!
Check out some highlights from this season 😎 pic.twitter.com/rMi4JjGurj
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 28, 2022
GTA 🔥 @AlvaradoJose15 pic.twitter.com/DD3iOaXKSl
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 31, 2022
The mission I am on is personal. I owe myself a lot. #BEL15VE pic.twitter.com/Q6anouSz9m
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) March 28, 2022
So proud 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gHSveFHa4i
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 28, 2022
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FROM UNDRAFTED TO KEY BENCH PLAYER FOR PELICANS
Jose Alvarado has become one of the unsung heroes for the New Orleans Pelicans lately with the absence of Brandon Ingram. The undrafted rookie has been stepping up and that is exactly what the Pelicans need going forward if they want to make a push deep into April.
Jose Alvarado does a little of everything that contributes to winning, as his defense off the bench is often a catalyst, he sets up teammates in the half court in and transition and isn’t afraid to take the big shot, as he did late in the game in the win over the Hawks.
Averaging just over five points per game, Jose Alvarado has been improving in the month of March. He has scored in double digits twice in the last week. He scored 15 points against the Hawks on 55 percent shooting from the field. He is an efficient scorer when he has the hot hand. Over the last 10 games for the Pelicans, he has been averaging seven points with four assists per game. Both over his average.
When he played at Georgia Tech, Alvarado won ACC Defensive Player of the Year and it is easy to see why. He has averaged just over one steal per game for the season, but in the last 10 he is averaging two steals per game. His defense makes it easier for the Pels to get out and run, which is important for a team that sometimes struggles in the half court, especially without Brandon Ingram.
Welp…in other news that guy Jose got the (much earned) 💰#TogetherWeSwarm pic.twitter.com/diyMOco9Bt
— Jose Alvarado Fan Account (@GTMBB) March 28, 2022
all love ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8Sc7CI8kef
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 27, 2022
THE LOVE IS REAL NOLA❤️💯 pic.twitter.com/HtcyWTk0qy
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) March 25, 2022
The love for Jose Alvarado is through the roof in New Orleans right now pic.twitter.com/4tgYAM8yqV
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) March 25, 2022
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YOUNG RELISHING OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY WINNING BASKETBALL IN TORONTO
Now that he’s settling into his role with the Raptors, Thaddeus Young is relishing the opportunity to contribute to winning basketball, speaking highly of the team’s construction.
“We have a good mixture of vets, guys who are just getting into their careers and then guys who are just coming into the league,” Young said of the Raptors. “I think we have a really good mixture of guys as well as a really good mixture of guys on the coaching staff as well, so everybody can kinda relate to each other.”
After taking a step back in San Antonio in order for younger players to develop, the 33-year-old Young is relishing the hands-on opportunity that he’s had since being acquired by Toronto.
Young has been a Raptor for less than two months but expresses a deep understanding of the franchise’s expectations and its championship pedigree.
“We’re all just having fun but we’re all taking it super serious because we all want to win basketball games and we all want to potentially get this franchise back to a championship.”
Raptors discuss Thad Young’s impact on and off the court – SI.com
THAD YOUNG 🤯 @yungsmoove21 pic.twitter.com/eZm7IeyefE
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 31, 2022
Thad Young: “I mean, I’m not old, I’m only 33.”
That’s my MVP pic.twitter.com/c1znrv27Yl
— Amit Mann (@Amit_Mann) March 29, 2022
Thaddeus Young had his most impactful game as a Toronto Raptor last night.
12 Points
8 Rebounds
3 Assists
3 Blocks
Team-high +12Thad was great defensively, making big-time plays late in the game. Young has been a great addition to this young Raptors team. pic.twitter.com/LGpSUrYuIs
— Daniel Fanone (@DanielFanone31) March 29, 2022
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GEORGES-HUNT DISCUSSES OVERSEAS GRIND, COMING BACK HOME
Marcus-Georges Hunt is right at home.
From the Gateway Center Arena, he’s minutes away from the place he made a name for himself on the basketball court. Eleven minutes down the street is North Clayton High School, which is where he attended. A little over 20 minutes down is Georgia Tech, where he played college ball for four years.
He’s played on the Orlando Magic and saw himself getting playoff minutes with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After that, Hunt made a major move and took his basketball talents 7,709 miles across the country to play overseas in China.
“Playing overseas in China was a great experience,” Hunt said. “I learned a lot, and a lot about their culture. But being able to be back home in front of family and friends and my kids, is a blessing honestly. Being able to play pro basketball, and in your own town. You couldn’t ask for anything else.”
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KENNY ANDERSON TO BE FEATURED IN CBS SPECIAL
Kenny Anderson hasn’t been in the national spotlight nearly as much as a college basketball coach as he was as an All-American player at Georgia Tech or as an NBA All-Star during his 14-year professional career.
He will be back there Sunday.
Anderson, who just finished his third year as the men’s basketball coach at Fisk, will be featured in CBS’ “HBCU’s Second Acts” at 3 p.m. Eastern time.
It is a documentary on the resurgence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country drawing successful former athletes to campus and creating “second acts” for both the schools and those returning.
“I’m looking forward to letting everybody know where I’m at now in my life,” Anderson said. “Coaching these young men at Fisk to better themselves, not just athletically but educationally and in other ways. And I couldn’t be happier.”
I went to work my freshmen year in college now I am coaching at @Fisk1866 and I love it trying to make a difference !! pic.twitter.com/TlfKcQ5cSn
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) March 30, 2022
“BASKETBALL IS EASY,LIFE IS HARD” @MrChibbs pic.twitter.com/lyAjgSRgOB
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) March 30, 2022
#ProJackets on Social Media
Thanks for having me my guy … 🤝🏾💯 https://t.co/S7vETFypt9
— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) March 29, 2022
I’m so glad the boys have such a awesome sauce dad to look up to. @yungsmoove21 pic.twitter.com/vzp8VmvGi0
— Shekinah Young (@Mrs___Young21) March 29, 2022
🚨🚨NEW HUSTLE PLAY WITH THAD YOUNG IS LIVE 🔥🔥
Tip: Don’t go at Thad and his family on social 💀
Full Episode links ⬇️
🎙: https://t.co/pquVD8BGNV
🎥: https://t.co/l4Jm7IhqTn@chrisboucher | @yungsmoove21 | @Mike_Roach_ pic.twitter.com/G8pxGx9rIN— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) March 27, 2022
THAD YOUNG pic.twitter.com/6OIQDgDCH2
— alex (@steven_lebron) March 31, 2022
It was awesome I got to stay home and play for one my childhood teams ever the @celtics and New Jersey Nets I love you forever !! pic.twitter.com/adc8cI89ty
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) March 30, 2022
Forever grateful for Heat Nation.
Thank you for the tribute, it was great to be home! @MiamiHEAT pic.twitter.com/8X9XMx0cH4
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) March 24, 2022
I’m obsessed with this sport https://t.co/NM9v9xXAMx
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) March 22, 2022
you never know what @CallMe_NonStop is gonna be wearing when he pulls up to a game 👀@Sprite Style Stories pic.twitter.com/MpEWWus655
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 28, 2022
Go inside @1jamesbanks & @_oc3_‘s visit to the Senior Care Center in Denton all courtesy of our Legacy of Kindness Campaign pres by @legacyplumbing: pic.twitter.com/vTeP3XLup3
— Texas Legends (@TexasLegends) March 22, 2022
The McDonalds All American is on right now. #LeaveIt
🔥🔥🔥 @dscott1_ #BackToWork pic.twitter.com/179iSojxPD— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) March 30, 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 #ProJackets Eurobasket Report
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, graduated ‘2016, plays pro in Israel) led Hapoel UNET Holon to a victory over the seventh-ranked Hapoel Tel-Aviv (11-11) crushing them 99-77 in the Israeli Winner League on Monday night. He was MVP of the game. Smith recorded 38 points (!!!) and grabbed 4 rebounds in 33 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only his first season in pro basketball. Hapoel UNET Holon (14-8) is placed third in the Winner League. The Regular Season already ended. Smith has relatively good stats this season 13.2ppg, 1.7rpg and 1.5apg.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, graduated ‘2021, plays in the NBA) could not help the New Orleans Pelicans (34-43) in their last game. Despite Alvarado’s very good performance the New Orleans Pelicans (34-43) lost107-103on the road to the San Antonio Spurs. He was the second best scorer with 23 points. Alvarado also added 5 rebounds and 5 assists; not bad, considering it’s only his first season in pro basketball. This year Alvarado averages 6.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.7apg and 1.3spg in 49 games he played so far.
Joshua Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, graduated ‘2017, currently in Belgium) was the main contributor in a Stella Artois Leuven Bears’ victory against the closely-ranked Groningen (2-3) 72-68 in the BNXT League last Saturday. He was MVP of the game. Heath scored 20 points, made 6 passes and 3 steals in 39 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Stella Artois Leuven Bears (4-1) is placed third in the BNXT League. It was his team’s third consecutive victory in a row. Heath has relatively good stats this season 14.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 6.4apg and 1.7spg.
Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988, graduated ‘2010, plays pro in France) was not able to help Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket (1-1) in their last game. Despite Lawal’s very good performance Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket lost90-80in Levallois to the higher-ranked (#4) Metropolitans. He was the top scorer with 26 points. Lawal also added 5 rebounds and made 2 blocks. Lawal has relatively good stats this year 13.0ppg and 5.9rpg in 25 games. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-1987, graduated ‘2009, plays in Iran) contributed to Chemidor’s victory against the third-ranked Kerman (11-9) 81-71 in the Iranian Superleague in Saturday night’s game. He recorded 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 26 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group E. Chemidor Tehran (18-2) is placed first. It was his team’s sixth consecutive victory in a row. Aminu has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages 15.9ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.2apg and 1.4spg.
Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, graduated ‘2007, currently in the NBA) contributed to a 3-point Toronto Raptors’ victory against the Boston Celtics 115-112 in the NBA last Monday. Young scored 12 points, had 8 rebounds, passed 3 assists and added 3 blocks. This year Young averages 6.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.6apg and 1.2spg in 20 games.
Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, graduated ‘2021, plays pro in the NBA G League) was the major contributor in a Texas Legends’ victory against the Austin Spurs 106-99 in the NBA G League on Saturday night. He recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 13 rebounds in 38 minutes. This season Wright has very high stats. He averages 22.8ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.7apg and 1.3bpg.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, graduated ‘2018, plays in Germany) contributed to an ALBA Berlin’s victory against the closely-ranked Fenerbahce 66-57 in the Euroleague in Tuesday night’s game. Lammers scored 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. This year Lammers averages 6.8ppg and 3.2rpg in 24 games.
Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, graduated ‘2016, currently in the NBA G League) contributed to a College Park SkyHawks’ victory against the Lakeland Magic 140-136 in the NBA G League last Tuesday. Georges-Hunt scored 27 points (!!!), had 5 rebounds and dished 3 assists in 33 minutes. Georges-Hunt has relatively good stats this season 12.8ppg, 5.2rpg and 2.7apg. He is a naturalized Virgin Islander.
Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995, graduated ‘2019, plays pro in Czech Republic) helped Decin win their game against the fourth-ranked GBA Fio banka 87-73 in the Czech Republic NBL on Wednesday night. He recorded 17 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Alston has very impressive stats this year 16.3ppg, 3.7rpg and 2.7apg in three games.
