THE FLATS – Jose Alvarado grabs attention in start vs. Mavericks … Thaddeus Young, professional glue guy … Michael Devoe in training camp with Clippers G League team … Jordan Usher flourishing in rookie season in Turkey … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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ALVARADO GRABS ATTENTION IN START VS. MAVERICKS
Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado makes a strong start against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, shooting efficiently from the field and intercepting the opposition’s possession.
The New Orleans Pelicans certainly have everyone’s attention, given the talent on the roster and their recent signings, boasting the likes of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, to name a few, with there being some unsung names too.
Touted to be a top contender in the west, the Pels have a pool of young talent, evident in the recent contest against the Mavericks in the form of point guard Jose Alvarado. Going undrafted in the 2021-22 season, the former Georgia Tech player had our attention.
Known to be a defensive pest, Alvarado impressed on the offensive side of schemes amid the absence of Zion and BI. Starting for the mere second time in his career, the Pels PG was ready to go off, scoring 7 of the team’s 13 points initially in the first quarter.
Jose Alvarado is off to a hot start against the Mavs. 👀
He’s got 7 of the Pelicans’ 13 PTS so far in Q1 on TNT.#KiaTipOff22 pic.twitter.com/9eeSzVxOgN
— NBA (@NBA) October 25, 2022
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24 SECONDS WITH JOSE ALVARADO
Friday’s setting is a familiar one for Jose Alvarado, with the New Orleans Pelicans playing a national TV game against the Phoenix Suns in Arizona, this time on ESPN (9 p.m. Central). The Georgia Tech product capped his eye-opening rookie NBA season by causing a few memorable Suns turnovers in an April first-round playoff series, including an eight-second violation and his patented steal from behind vs. future Hall of Famer Chris Paul. The 24-year-old joined Pelicans.com for this week’s “24 Seconds” Q&A, the second edition of the 2022-23 season.
Jose Alvarado showing off that dog in him leading to a Trey Murphy drive and slam pic.twitter.com/yMp6DmDuA5
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) October 26, 2022
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THAD YOUNG: PROFESSIONAL GLUE GUY
Chris Bosh was the All-Star that bridged the gap between the Vince Carter and Demar Derozan/Kyle Lowry eras. He led the Toronto Raptors to two playoff series but was meant for bigger things in Miami.
Damon Stoudamire was the original G.R.O.A.T. whose Rookie of the Year award was supposed to be an omen of the new franchise’s blossoming future. Unfortunately, he only lasted 2.5 seasons before (requesting and) getting traded to Portland.
By the time Jalen Rose was traded to the Raptors, he was 31 and approaching his decline. That didn’t stop him from leading the team in scoring in his first full season with Toronto (a squad, mind you, that also had Bosh and Carter).
So, what do three of the best left-handed players in franchise history have in common with Thaddeus Young?
Nothing and everything.
Young will never be an All-Star. Young will never be considered the greatest Raptor of all-time. Young will never lead the Raptors in scoring.
He does, however, possess similar traits as each of those great lefties that will serve him well — as well as the team — throughout his Raptors tenure.
VIDEO: Young with a buzzer-beater vs. Cavaliers
Great, out of context quote from Thad Young today:
“I’m kind of like that piece that can bring everything together,” he said. “The Transporter out of the group.” pic.twitter.com/A3Ba9PrzgF
— Louis Zatzman (@LouisZatzman) October 11, 2022
“The defensive side of the basketball is what wins games.
It’s about can you get stops?
If we don’t get stops, we’re not going to get wins.”
– Thaddeus Young pic.twitter.com/dsbDHXjJKo
— Coach Mac 🏀 (@BballCoachMac) October 26, 2022
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ONE VOTE FOR FAVORS TO BE SIGNED BY GOLDEN STATE
Last season, they ranked ninth in the NBA in total rebounds per game (53.1), but they ranked just 19th in offensive rebounds per game (9.8).
Therefore, they were a good rebounding team, but they could have been even better.
I think they should consider signing NBA veteran Derrick Favors to the roster.
The former third-overall pick was recently waived by the Houston Rockets, so he is a free agent available to be signed by any team in the league.
Last season, he played in 39 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and in less than 17 minutes of action per contest, he averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds.
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DEVOE IN TRAINING CAMP WITH CLIPPERS G LEAGUE TEAM
The Ontario Clippers have announced their training camp roster for the 2022-23 NBA G League Season, which tips off for the Clippers on Nov. 4.
Ontario’s training camp roster includes: Moses Brown and Moussa Diabate (two-way players); Michael Devoe, Bryson Williams and Lucas Williamson (affiliate players); Nate Darling, Kameron Edwards, Malik Fitts, Xavier Moon, Juwan Morgan and Keaton Wallace (returning rights players); Warith Alatishe, David Collins and JJ Moore (drafted players); Jordan Cintron and Jared Savage (local tryout players).
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JORDAN USHER IMPRESSING IN ROOKIE SEASON IN TURKEY
Jordan Usher (98’) who played in Summer League with Utah Jazz is having an impressive rookie season in Europe.
On saturday, Usher scored 17 points in the win against Galatasaray with a spectacular second half performance. Keep an eye on him pic.twitter.com/ix5GQOf5AI
— Doruk Karaca (@Dorukaraca) October 25, 2022
Jordan Usher 💪
— Beşiktaş Basketbol (@BJK_Basketbol) October 22, 2022
📸Jordan Usher.👊 pic.twitter.com/0WhcWaBTR5
— Beşiktaş Yetiyor (@BJKYetiyor) October 22, 2022
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#ProJackets on Social Media
Thank you beautiful 🤩 😘 https://t.co/FDJKdBpYlE
— THAD YOUNG (@yungsmoove21) October 20, 2022
Trey Murphy on playing with and against Jose Alvarado:”I used to play him at Virginia. I hated playing against Jose, he was just so annoying. I couldn’t stand him, even my parents and my cousins they couldn’t stand him… Now that hes on my team I love him to death.” pic.twitter.com/PGuWL2AXZa
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) October 26, 2022
Really my twin 🤞🏼 https://t.co/R9HZSIIqOQ
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) October 18, 2022
This Thursday
“Center Court” We Back!#LeaveIt SideLineShorty Heat Vs Warriors 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JuJinlDwbU— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) October 25, 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 7.0 ppg 2.2 rpg 2.0 apg 40.6% FG | Record: 47-32 Standing: 6th place, -8.0 GB Streak: W2 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 5.5 ppg 5.3 rpg 1.7 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 14.8 ppg 3.8 rpg 3.0 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 5.6 ppg 4.6 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 4.7 ppg 2.6 rpg 1.1 apg 41.4% FG | Record: 46-33 Standing: 7th place, -9.0 GB Streak: L2 Last 10: 6-4 |
 | 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 4.3 ppg 3.2 rpg 1.8 apg 60.6% FG | Record: 46-33 Standing: 7th place, -9.0 GB Streak: L2 Last 10: 6-4 |
Yellow Jackets in Professional Basketball
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, graduated ‘2018, plays pro in Germany). He could not help ALBA Berlin (3-2) to beat Valencia (1-0) in the Euroleague. Lammers scored 9 points in 18 minutes. But ALBA Berlin lost 73-87 on the road to the higher-ranked (#4) Valencia. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. This year Lammers averages 6.0ppg in three games he played so far.
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, graduated ‘2016, plays in Spain) was not able to help Bilbao in their game against Rio Breogan (3-2) in the Spanish Liga Endesa. Smith scored 7 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 5 assists. The league leader Bilbao was badly defeated86-70 in Lugo by the lower-ranked Rio Breogan (#5). But the season just started, so everything may happen. Smith has relatively good stats this year 11.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.6apg and 1.2spg.
Joseph Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, graduated ‘2021, currently in the NBA) led New Orleans Pelicans to a 2-point victory against the Dallas Mavericks (2-2) 113-111 in the NBA in Tuesday night’s game. Alvarado scored 13 points and added 3 assists in 26 minutes. The New Orleans Pelicans have 3-1 record this season. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Alvarado has relatively good stats this year 8.3ppg, 2.5rpg and 2.5apg in four games.
Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, graduated ‘2014, plays pro in China) was not able to secure a victory for Beijing Royal Fighters (4-3) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his very good performance Beijing Royal Fighters were badly defeated107-87 in Jiangsu by the higher-ranked Monkey Kings (#8). Golden was the top scorer with 29 points. He also added 4 assists and 3 steals. Golden’s team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. Golden has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages 21.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 5.6apg and 1.1spg.
Jordan Usher (6’7”-F-1999, graduated ‘2022, plays in Turkey) led Besiktas Icrypex Istanbul to a victory over the closely-ranked Galatasaray (1-1) 74-67 in a derby game in the Turkish BSL on Saturday night. He was MVP of the game. Usher recorded 17 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 30 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only his first season in pro basketball. Besiktas Icrypex Istanbul (1-1) is placed fifth in the BSL. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. It’s Usher’s first year with the team. Usher has relatively good stats this season 12.5ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.8apg in four games.
Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, graduated ‘2021, currently in China) contributed to an easy victory against the tenth-ranked Royal Fighters 98-80 in the Chinese CBA in Saturday night’s game. Wright scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. He has relatively good stats this season 12.7ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.6spg.
Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998, graduated ‘2019, plays pro in Japan) was the major contributor in a 2-point SeaHorses Mikawa’s victory against the third-ranked Kawasaki BT 77-75 in the Japanese B1 League last Saturday. He recorded 14 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 24 minutes. This year Schafer averages 6.9ppg and 4.3rpg in nine games. He is a naturalized Japanese.
Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992, graduated ‘2015, plays in Japan) couldn’t help Tokyo Z (2-7) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Sampson’s very good performance the seventh-placed Tokyo Z was crushed97-65 in Aomori by the higher-ranked Watts (#4) in the East group. He recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 15 rebounds. Sampson also added 2 blocks. He has relatively good stats this season 12.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg and 2.0spg. He is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market.
Experienced Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, graduated ‘2007, currently in the NBA) couldn’t help the Toronto Raptors in their game against the Miami Heat in the NBA. He scored only 4 points in 11 minutes. His team were edged 112-109 in the NBA. This year Young averages 2.3ppg in three games.
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, graduated ‘2018, plays pro in the NBA) couldn’t help the Phoenix Suns in their game against the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. He cannot count Friday’s game as one of the best ones. Okogie recorded only 2 points. His team were edged 113-111 in the NBA. This season he averages 1.5ppg and 1.3rpg. Okogie is a naturalized Nigerian.
Other former Georgia Institute of Technology players, who play in pro basketball:
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991) played for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA (currently a free agent)
- Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-1987) plays for Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rican BSN
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Kammeon Holsey (6’8”-F-1990) played for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League
- Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983) plays for Shinshu BW in Japanese B1 League
- Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994) signed for Kuwait in Kuwaiti D1
- Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993) signed for Obera in Argentinian La Liga
- Tadric Jackson (6’2”-G-1994) signed for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999) signed for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-C-1994) signed for Samsunspor in Turkish TBL
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991) plays for Power in the Big3
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988) signed for Runa Basket in Russian Superleague 1
- Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999) in training camp for Los Angeles Clippers G league team
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
