THE FLATS – Jose “Grand Theft” Alvarado reveals his next target … Moses Wright makes an impact in Mavs’ summer league … Michael Devoe, Jordan Usher leave impressions on Clippers, Jazz … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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“GRAND THEFT” ALVARADO REVEALS NEXT TARGET
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jose Alvarado burst onto the NBA scene as a scrappy and often annoying defender for opposing guards — particularly in the postseason.
The former ACC Defensive Player of the Year made a name for himself during the 2021-22 playoffs for his defensive effort on Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul. Much to Paul’s annoyance, Alvarado would sneak along the baseline and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike from behind.
In doing so, the former Georgia Tech guard earned the apt nickname: “Grand Theft Alvarado.”
During a recent interview with Oleh Kosel of SB Nation, Alvarado named his next victim.
Jose Alvarado says Kyrie is next on his list pic.twitter.com/0m5HOrGMWJ
— Jake Hardee (@pelicansbyjake) July 13, 2022
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WRIGHT MAKES AN IMPACT IN MAVS’ SUMMER LEAGUE
Power forward Moses Wright is making an impact with the Mavericks‘ Summer League team, writes Dwain Price of Mavs.com.
The 6-foot-8 big man averaged a fairly pedestrian 8.5 PPG on 5-of-16 shooting and 5 RPG across the Mavericks’ first two Summer League contests, missed the team’s Tuesday matchup against the Suns, and then returned reinvigorated to play the Bucks on Thursday. He poured in 26 points, on 10-of-16 shooting from the floor and 11 rebounds as a reserve.
Wright, signed to a two-way contract during the 2021-22 season with Dallas, is currently an unrestricted free agent.
“I think he was the most impactful player in the game,” Mavericks Summer League head coach George Galanopoulos said. “When he’s playing like that – just high energy and active motor, and with an edge and a disposition about him and that mentality — he’s one of the better players in the gym wherever he goes.”
What a game from Moses Wright! Former CBB player at Georgia Tech:
26 points
11 rebounds
3 assists
2 steals
63% FG% (10/16)Big time!🐝 pic.twitter.com/QQ2puU695T
— T3 Bracketology (@TBracketology) July 15, 2022
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MICHAEL DEVOE SUMMER LEAGUE HIGHLGHTS
From The Athletic: The two-way contract spot likely opposite Diabaté is an open question. It is unclear if Scrubb or Moon are candidates after both ended last season on two-ways and did not receive qualifying offers in free agency. Once Diabaté signs, the Clippers will have two spots left on the 20-man offseason roster limit but made commitments to three 3-and-D undrafted seniors in shooting guard Michael Devoe, small forward Lucas Williamson and power forward Justin Bean. But the Clippers can maneuver around it by having no more than two of those players on the roster at the same time. Last year, the Clippers signed and waived Jordan Ford and Nate Darling, allowing the Clippers to obtain their G League rights. King and Wright also wound up playing in the G League with the Clippers, and Giles would have joined them if not for injury.
Devoe, Williamson and Bean could compete for the open two-way contract. Of the three, Devoe is probably the frontrunner as the youngest player and the one who played first in summer league. But Devoe’s 46 minutes didn’t go great, as he scored only 13 points on 15 shots while missing 5 of 6 3s. Bean only scored eight points on 13 shots in 49 minutes, missing all three of his 3s. And Williamson did not play in the last three games.
While Michael Devoe (@mdevoe0) may not have been a primary scorer he showcased his ability as a ball-handler as a decision maker. His shot-making ability has been there.
Undrafted out of GT. Summer League Highlights below👇 pic.twitter.com/y43ZOSNvxa
— GREENLIGHT MEDIA (@atlgreenlight) July 19, 2022
.@mdevoe0 for threeeee! 3️⃣
📺 @ESPNNBA | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/H7R9pTGDub
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 15, 2022
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USHER ENJOYS UTAH EXPERIENCE, ENDEARS SELF TO FANS
Usher, a self-described country boy from Georgia, was even more impressed, which he expressed in his rapid-fire, motormouth style.
“I like the energy and I like the feel around Utah! Even, honestly, when I flew in here [and saw] the mountains, I felt a little different. I’ve never seen mountains in my life!” he said. “Just being out here, the altitude is higher, it’s hard to breathe — just a little adversity; you’ve got to be different to come out here! I take pride in that blue-collar business about myself, so I thought Utah would be a good fit.”
He’s hoping he gets a chance to stick around in some capacity, because there’s a whole list of outdoorsy stuff he’d like to experience, but hasn’t had the chance.
“I haven’t got to go hiking yet ’cause I’ve been in the gym a whole bunch, but everybody says, ‘You can go kayaking, hiking,’ so this is the spot for me!” Jordan added. “I’m a country boy. I like to fish. I want to see the Salt Flats, I want to see a bunch of stuff! But right now, I’ve just been in the hotel rook resting, watching film.”
Plus, the Jordan Usher Experience delights fans at Vivint Arena, and people from Will Hardy’s past give some insight on the team’s new head coach.https://t.co/WBF840Uamw
— The Salt Lake Tribune (@sltrib) July 9, 2022
moves dot com 🤑#TakeNote | @callmeush pic.twitter.com/P0sZOPyDSt
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 7, 2022
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BOSH MIAMI MEMORY GOES VIRAL
We interrupt your trade proposal discussions for another person that remembers the Heat’s big three era. He remembers it just as well as anyone because, well, he was a member of the team. Chris Bosh recently shared a tweet that instantly went viral reliving one of the best moments in Heat history.
If I text you “👐🏿🏀👨🏿🦱➡️👨🏿🦲3️⃣🏀💥” it means rebound Bosh, back out to Allen, his three-pointer BANG!
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) July 13, 2022
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#ProJackets on Social Media
She bought her first house for us! GOD IS REAL. “THANK YOU Lord” 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/J6Uf2GChaF
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) July 15, 2022
Hang it in the Louvre 🖼 pic.twitter.com/3l6T5sovyv
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 13, 2022
Our two knuckleheads getting older right before our eyes. Love these guys with everything in me. Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 TJ & Taylor. Huge shout out to the wife @Mrs___Young21 for putting together an amazing birthday party. You killed it as always! 😍😍 https://t.co/1paVbCXBLI pic.twitter.com/hCvDOaD8VC
— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) July 17, 2022
Wolves and former Wolve Josh Okogie showing up for Jmac’s wedding 🐺🐺🐺 pic.twitter.com/iYCes4Nm5p
— Dom / BBall Talk (@DominickNBA) July 18, 2022
New #Suns Josh Okogie signing autographs at #NBASummerLeague #NBA2K23SummerLeague pic.twitter.com/K4QbuG4KOV
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) July 10, 2022
#1 & #4 This a Orlando Thang Old School & New School! #LeaveIt pic.twitter.com/BUEXGNmcVs
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) July 14, 2022
Always @GTAthletics much love pic.twitter.com/8cdHK1M9u7
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) July 19, 2022
Saturday Morning Chill on the Deck wit My Twin. pic.twitter.com/nZASqU9KAu
— Brian Oliver (@BrianOliver1313) July 16, 2022
EuroBasket Pro Yellow Jackets Weekly Update
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-1987, graduated ‘2009, plays pro in Puerto Rico) led Gigantes de Carolina to a 1-point victory against the leader Capitanes (22-10) 84-83 in the Puerto Rican BSN in Monday night’s game. He scored 11 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 33 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group B. Gigantes de Carolina (13-4) is placed first. Aminu has relatively good stats this year 14.2ppg, 8.7rpg and 1.6apg in 31 games he played so far.
Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, graduated ‘2021, plays in the NBA) could not help the Dallas Mavericks (52-30) in their last game on Thursday. Despite his very good performance the Dallas Mavericks (#4) were defeated 100-89 on the road by the Milwaukee Bucks. Wright recorded a double-double by scoring 26 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 3 assists. The Regular Season already ended in the NBA Summer League. Wright has relatively good stats this season 15.0ppg, 7.0rpg and 1.3apg.
Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, graduated ‘2016, currently in the NBA) was not able to help the Atlanta Hawks in their game against the Utah Jazz (2-2) in the NBA Summer League. He recorded 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 24 minutes. The Atlanta Hawks (#9) lost 66-72 in Salt Lake City to the Utah Jazz. The Regular Season already ended in the NBA Summer League. This year Georges-Hunt averages 4.0ppg, 2.7rpg and 2.0spg in three games. He is a naturalized Virgin Islander.
Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999, graduated ‘2022, plays pro in the NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the Utah Jazz (2-2) 82-65 in the NBA Summer League in Friday night’s game. He recorded 6 points. The Los Angeles Clippers have 42-40 record this season. It was his team’s fifth consecutive victory in a row. The Regular Season already ended in the NBA Summer League. This season Devoe averages 3.3ppg.
Other former Georgia Tech players who play in pro basketball:
- Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995) played for ALBA Berlin in German BBL
- Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992) played for Hapoel UNET Holon in Israeli Winner League
- Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993) played for Regatas in Argentinian La Liga
- Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994) played for Stella Artois Leuven Bears in Belgian Pro Basketball League
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991) played for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA
- Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998) signed for Phoenix Suns in the NBA
- Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988) played for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988) plays for Trotamundos in Venezuelan SPB
- Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991) played for Fujian Sturgeons in Chinese CBA
- Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998) played for SeaHorses Mikawa in Japanese B1 League
- Zachery Peacock (6’8”-F/C-1987) played for FOS Provence Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA
- Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995) played for Decin in Czech Republic NBL
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998) played for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Kammeon Holsey (6’8”-F-1990) played for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League
- Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-1991) played for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League
- Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983) plays for Shinshu BW in Japanese B1 League
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999) played for New Bayazet in Armenian Caucasus BL
- Will Bynum (6’0”-PG-1983) plays for Bivouac in the Big3
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991) plays for Power in the Big3
- Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998) plays for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA Summer League
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992) played for Yamaguchi in Japanese B3 League
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-F-1994) played for I.Ramat Gan in Israeli National League
- Jordan Usher (6’7”-G/F-1999) plays for Utah Jazz in the NBA Summer League
- Shembari Phillips (6’3”-G-1997) played for EPG Baskets Koblenz in German ProB
The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
