THE FLATS – Jose Alvarado reflects on playing for Willie Green in New Orleans, and his playoff battle against Chris Paul … Thaddeus Young praises Raptors’ organization and his time there … Michael Devoe gets a workout with the Hawks … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
PLAYOFF PICTURE – Jose Alvarado and the No. 8 seed New Orleans Pelicans were eliminated 4 games to 2 by the top-seeded Phoenix Suns … Josh Okogie and the No. 7-seed Minnesota Timberwolves likewise were eliminated 4-2 to the No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies … Thaddeus Young and the No. 5-seed Toronto Raptors fell behind 0-2 to the No. 4-seed Philadelphia 76ers and eventually lost in six games as well.
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ALVARADO REFLECTS ON PLAYING FOR WILLIE GREEN
Jose Alvarado emerged as a key player this season with the New Orleans Pelicans, and the undrafted guard credited head coach Willie Green for much of his success.
The Pelicans were eliminated from the playoffs on Thursday by the Phoenix Suns. The loss, though tough, capped off an incredible season for the group after starting 1-12. They earned the eighth seed in the play-in tournament and pushed the top-seeded Suns to six games.
Alvarado played an integral role in helping the Pelicans make some noise in the second half of the season and in the playoffs. He even became a favorite in New Orleans because of his infectious playing style bringing immense energy and effort on a nightly basis.
The former Georgia Tech standout averaged eight points, 1.5 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals off the bench for the Pelicans in the playoffs. He became a menace on defense and often gave Chris Paul fits throughout the series.
“That guy made me a better person, a better man, and a better player.”
“He changed my life so I’m glad I get to call him my coach for the next four years.”
–@AlvaradoJose15 on Willie Green pic.twitter.com/6QicWJqvxP
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 29, 2022
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ALVARADO VS. CHRIS PAUL: “HE KNOWS MY NAME NOW…”
In the fourth quarter of a postseason elimination game, the New Orleans Pelicans played an undrafted rookie at point guard while the Phoenix Suns rode with one of the greatest floor generals of all time.
Jose Alvarado vs. Chris Paul.
Throughout the Pelicans’ first-round series, it was a surprisingly competitive battle. Paul, whose Suns eliminated the Pelicans in six games Thursday, ultimately won. But there were moments when Alvarado made “The Point God” sweat.
He was relentless in picking Paul up full court. Paul committed multiple 8-second violations over the course of six hard-fought games — uncommon mistakes for a player of his caliber.
More from NOLA.com (subscription required)
Chris Paul (PHX) has been assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 upon league review for his contact against Jose Alvarado (NOP) at 4:35 of the 2nd quarter on 4/26/22. pic.twitter.com/TY2JM3vbfr
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) April 28, 2022
Chris Paul elbows defender in the face, is rewarded with two free throws. pic.twitter.com/JGmGhKgXnr
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) April 29, 2022
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YOUNG PRAISES RAPTORS’ ORGANIZATION
Thaddeus Young has enjoyed his time of being a Toronto Raptor, and he can only give a heartwarming expression on what he attained.
In the Raptors’ exit interview for the 2021-2022 season, the veteran praised the experience he had with the organization, further applauding the promising core it possesses.
Young was acquired by Toronto in a midseason trade with the San Antonio Spurs. The versatility and mentorship that he offered were keys for the squad in making a late season turnaround – as the Raps went on to lock the fifth seed of the Eastern Conference.
Though the Raptors came up short for a historic 3-0 comeback against the Philadelphia 76ers in their first-round matchup, Young seems thankful of the ride he had with them.
Thad Young: “This organization is elite. One of the top I’ve ever been a part of… I loved everything about this experience. As far as the team, the sky is the limit… This team can be really, really scary.”
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 29, 2022
Season 15 was full of ups and downs, but coming to Toronto was definitely an incredible experience! Thank you all for welcoming my family and I to this amazing country! #WeTheNorth https://t.co/bojrAO0q2D
— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) April 30, 2022
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WHAT’S IN STORE FOR JOSH OKOGIE?
Josh Okogie, the 23-year-old guard who was a first-round draft choice of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018, became a restricted free agent with the completion of his fourth season in 2021-22. According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, “Okogie’s limited offense kept him out of the rotation for most of the season. The Wolves praised how good a teammate he was. The Wolves can make a qualifying offer near $6 million, but Okogie seems headed for free agency and might end up on another team where he can contribute regularly.”
More from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
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DEVOE WORKS OUT WITH HAWKS
In a matter of hours, one chapter of Michael Devoe’s life was closing and another opening.
On Monday morning, the former Georgia Tech guard was one of six NBA draft hopefuls working out at the Hawks facility before coaches and scouts. Later that day, he was to take his last final exam – dreaded finite math – as a Tech student to complete his requirements for his business administration degree.
“I’m so happy,” Devoe said after the workout. “It’s like all the stress is off my shoulders.”
Compared with trying to solve questions related to matrices, linear equations and game theory, among other subjects, Devoe was partial to playing 3-on-3 and going through drills that would help determine the course of his playing career.
“This is basketball,” said Devoe, garbed in Hawks workout gear and standing before a battery of local TV news cameras. “It’s something I love to do.”
More from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Michael Devoe will graduate from @GeorgiaTech on Saturday and then he’ll try and find a job. In fact he went on a job interview today. Here’s more:@GTMBB @ATLHawks @FOX5Sports @mdevoe0 pic.twitter.com/63eAx1o6hL
— Cody Chaffins (@Cody_Fox5) May 2, 2022
#Hawks GM Travis Schlenk is here. So is former @GTMBB G Michael Devoe. He’s here for a pre-draft workout. pic.twitter.com/oImwhvxkbb
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) May 2, 2022
Please join us in congratulating our PIT All Tournament Team, as well as our Tournament MVP Michael DeVoe! #PIT22 pic.twitter.com/6qSyjnnqMx
— P.I.T. (@PIT_Basketball) April 17, 2022
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#ProJackets on Social Media
Jose Alvarado always been that dude 💯 @AlvaradoJose15 pic.twitter.com/FSBdx6nl61
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) May 1, 2022
The legend himself is back home 🏠#TogetherWeSwarm #GrandTheftAlvarado pic.twitter.com/3fpDzNtaGW
— Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball (@GTMBB) May 3, 2022
Happy Tuesday! @yungsmoove21 pic.twitter.com/Gx3cwfTk4e
— Shekinah Young (@Mrs___Young21) May 3, 2022
Appreciate all the love and support 💯 https://t.co/7FuTJTnScB
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) April 29, 2022
#WallpaperWednesday ft. @AlvaradoJose15 🔥 #OneNOLA | @PaniniAmerica pic.twitter.com/fzEHvSdsk1
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 27, 2022
Back in the Lab 🥼 Who wins tonite? Bucks/Celtics & Warriors/Grizzlies on @NBAonTNT #LeaveIt pic.twitter.com/B5Obeo0RfN
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) May 3, 2022
イェイ✌️ https://t.co/duX3c8jQsB
— シェーファーアヴィ幸樹 Avi Schafer (@avi_schafer) May 4, 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) could not help Hapoel UNET Holon (16-11) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the fourth-placed Hapoel UNET Holon (16-11) lost 75-90 on the road to the higher-ranked (#3) Bnei Hasharon in the Places 1-6 group. Smith was the top scorer with 24 points. He also added 4 passes in 37 minutes. The Second Stage already ended. It’s Smith’s first season with the team. Smith has relatively good stats this year 13.2ppg, 1.8rpg and 1.6apg in 13 games he played so far.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, graduated ‘2018, plays in Germany) led ALBA Berlin to an easy victory against the 14th-ranked MLP Academics Heidelberg (11-22) crushing them 110-70 in the German BBL on Sunday night. Lammers recorded 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. ALBA Berlinis placed first in the BBL. This season Lammers averages 7.0ppg, 3.9rpg and 1.3bpg.
Joshua Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, graduated ‘2017, currently in Belgium) led Stella Artois Leuven Bears to an easy victory against Spirou Charleroi 80-63 in the Belgian BNXT League in Tuesday night’s game. Heath recorded 12 points and added 9 assists in 36 minutes. It was his first game for Stella Artois Leuven Bears this season. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. His team is placed in the BNXT League.
Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, graduated ‘2016, plays pro in Argentina) contributed to Regatas’ victory against the 11th-ranked Riachuelo LR (16-22) 92-85 in the Argentinian La Liga last Thursday. He scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Regatas Corrientes (27-11) is placed sixth in the La Liga. It was his team’s eighth consecutive victory in a row. Mitchell has relatively good stats this season 10.8ppg and 5.5rpg.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, graduated ‘2021, plays in the NBA) was not able to help the New Orleans Pelicans (36-46) in their last game. Despite Alvarado’s good performance the New Orleans Pelicans (36-46) lost 109-115 in Phoenix to the Suns. He scored 11 points and added 4 passes in 31 minutes. It’s Alvarado’s first season with the team. This year Alvarado averages 6.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.7apg and 1.3spg in 62 games.
Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998, graduated ‘2019, currently in Japan) led SeaHorses Mikawa to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked Shiga L-Stars 103-87 in the Japanese B1 League in Wednesday night’s game. He recorded 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. This season Schafer averages 7.5ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.1apg. He is a naturalized Japanese.
Experienced Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988, graduated ‘2010, plays pro in France) was not able to secure a victory for Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket in their game against Le Portel in the French Betclic ELITE ProA. He was the second best scorer with 9 points. Lawal also added 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in 20 minutes. His team lost 74-79. He has relatively good stats this year 13.1ppg and 5.9rpg in 32 games. Lawal is a naturalized Nigerian.
Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-1991, graduated ‘2014, plays in Japan) couldn’t help Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo (19-34) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Miller’s good performance the ninth-placed Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo was defeated 82-73 in Tokyo by the higher-ranked Alvark (#3) in the East group. He was the second best scorer with 12 points. Miller also added 7 rebounds. This season he averages 4.2ppg, 4.2rpg and 1.5apg.
Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, graduated ‘2005, currently in Japan) was the major contributor in a Shinshu BW’s victory against the 11th-ranked San-en NP 78-68 in the Japanese B1 League in Saturday night’s game. He scored 16 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. McHenry has relatively good stats this year 10.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.4apg and 1.5spg in 48 games.
Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992, graduated ‘2015, plays pro in Japan) couldn’t help Yamaguchi (12-40) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance Yamaguchi were crushed106-68 at home by the higher-ranked Saitama (#8). Sampson recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 16 rebounds. He also added 4 blocks. Sampson has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages 18.6ppg, 12.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7bpg and 1.4spg. Sampson is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market.
Other former Georgia Institute of Technology players, who play in pro basketball:
- Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998) plays for Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991) plays for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA
- Iman Shumpert (6’5”-G-1990) played for Brooklyn Nets in the NBA in 2020-21
- Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
- Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991) plays for Fujian Sturgeons in Chinese CBA
- Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-87) plays for Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rican BSN
- Zachery Peacock (6’8”-F/C-1987) plays for FOS Provence Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991) plays for M.Haifa in Israeli National League
- Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995) plays for Decin in Czech Republic NBL
- Kammeon Holsey (6’8”-F-1990) plays for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994) plays for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League
- James White (6’9”-F-1993) played for Mauricio Baez in Dominican Rep. TBS last year
- Will Bynum (6’0”-PG-1983) played for Bivouac in the Big3 last year
- Shembari Phillips (6’3”-G-1997) plays for EPG Baskets Koblenz in German ProB
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-F-1994) plays for I.Ramat Gan in Israeli National League
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999) plays for New Bayazet in Armenian Caucasus BL
- Jarrett Jack (6’3”-G-1983) played for Trilogy in the Big3 last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Institute of Technology basketball alumni.
