THE FLATS – Jose Alvarado still sneaking up on the NBA … Thaddeus Young earning trust with his brain… Josh Okogie denies taller player with big block … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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ALVARADO STILL SNEAKING UP ON THE NBA
“You can’t be small and miss 3s,” Jose Alvarado said to himself. The 6-foot-nothing guard had biffed a couple consecutively in a shooting drill with the Birmingham Squadron, the New Orleans Pelicans‘ G League affiliate, and this was simply unacceptable.
“It’s hilarious,” Squadron coach T.J. Saint said. “But he’s really intense. It’s serious. He’s serious about it.”
Saint, an assistant coach on last year’s staff, recalled Alvarado peppering him and former coach Ryan Pannone with questions during timeouts and coaching up his teammates in huddles. On the court during warmups on the second night of a back-to-back, Alvarado approached Saint, calling himself out for a shaky performance in the previous game.
“I’ll never forget this,” Saint said. “He’s like, ‘Hey, keep it real with me: If I keep playing like that, what do you think next year?'”
Alvarado was on a two-way contract, which is worth half of the NBA rookie minimum salary and limited him to a maximum of 50 games with New Orleans. He suggested that, if he did not sharpen up, the best he could hope for would be an Exhibit 10, a training-camp deal that can be converted to a two-way. Saint told Alvarado that he needed to play better, but there was lots of season left.
A quick thread of Jose Alvarado breaking Kevin Porter Jr’s brain in the fourth quarter of last night’s win over the Rockets:
(Disclaimer: KPJ did score two layups on Jose during this stretch)
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) November 13, 2022
Jose Alvarado’s defense coming in clutch down the stretch 💪
Pelicans lead the Grizzlies by 11 in Q4 on TNT! pic.twitter.com/RhANzAs2VO
— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2022
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ALVARADO VS. JA MORANT A BUDDING RIVALRY
Ja Morant vs. Jose Alvarado just might be the NBA’s best new individual rivalry. As the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans squared off on TNT on Tuesday night, injuries to Zion Williamson and Desmond Bane threatened to derail a fun matchup of two rising young teams in the West. Instead, Morant and Alvarado helped deliver a thrilling, back-and-forth game featuring incredible intensity and oh so much trash talking from the two guards.
Morant is a superstar as a former No. 2 overall pick, and Alvarado is an undrafted free agent who has carved out a bench spot on the Pelicans. On the surface, it might be easy to think these two don’t have much in common, but both play with an enormous chip on their shoulder every time they take the floor. Alvarado is known for his defense, but he got the best of Morant on offense a couple times. After one drive in the second quarter, Alvarado hit Morant with the “too small” taunt following a layup. Morant went at him on the next possession and did his own “too small” taunt after scoring over him for an and-one.
Alvarado hits Morant with the “too small” but Ja gets him right back with the and-1 pic.twitter.com/o5OEwz6rlu
— hoops bot (@hoops_bot) November 16, 2022
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YOUNG EARNS TRUST WITH HIS BRAIN
Imman Adan and Asad Alvi discuss the influence of Thaddeus Young on his inexperienced Raptors teammates and why he always makes an impact on the floor. Listen to the full episode on our ‘Raptors Over Everything’ podcast or watch on our YouTube.
“Thaddeus Young who has been one of my favorite players to watch– just point blank, period– over the last few games. Heaven sent, truly. You compared him to Marc Gasol. I often compare him to Kyle Lowry, although he does not get enough charges.
He should be getting way more. It’s a gripe that I have. He had one today that I thought was a charge but it was called a blocking foul, which was absolutely nonsensical. What are your thoughts on Scott– on Thaddeus Young who’s entered the starting lineup with these …”
Young proving to be reliable piece for Raptors to lean on
Thaddeus Young plays his 1,098th game in the NBA today and overtakes Zaza Pachulia in the 79th historical position in the League pic.twitter.com/qKyWZO1dyL
— Top Data NBA… Live! (@TopDataNBA_Live) November 17, 2022
Why didn’t anyone tell me Thaddeus Young was a top 5 player all-time?!?!?!?!?!!! pic.twitter.com/s7Th748ekc
— Ian Essig (@IanLeeEssig) November 16, 2022
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OKOGIE DENIES TALLER GREEN WITH BIG BLOCK IN WIN OVER WARRIORS
JaMychal Green is listed as five inches taller than the 6-4 Josh Okogie.
So what.
Okogie denied him at the rim with a big block in Phoenix’s 130-119 victory Wednesday over defending NBA champion Golden State at Footprint Center.
“I had to go get that one,” Okogie said.
On a night the Suns shot 51.2% from the field, set team highs in 3-point makes (21) and 3-point shooting percentage (52.5%) and had three players score 20-plus points, Okogie’s block stood out as one of the biggest plays of the game.
Green had a chance to cut Phoenix’s lead to one with 10:24 left in the first half, but Okogie’s block led to Cameron Payne scoring in transition to put the Suns up, 40-35. Payne scored a career-high 29 points.
With the Suns down three players – Chris Paul (sore right heel), Landry Shamet (concussion protocol) and Cam Johnson (torn right meniscus) – Okogie’s minutes have increased in recent games.
Josh Okogie climbs the ladder for the rejection 🚫
The @Suns lead by 6 halfway through Q2 on ESPN pic.twitter.com/0pMFuGlaa9
— NBA (@NBA) November 17, 2022
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#ProJackets on Social Media
Let’s get it @ThePlayersTV 🤝🏾🔥 https://t.co/J3uNIetw4h
— THAD YOUNG (@yungsmoove21) November 8, 2022
🗣Yo D Yo D! I see u 👁
My Chibbs voice 🤣! pic.twitter.com/3vpSftxKWd— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) November 18, 2022
Lethal Weapon 3️⃣
𝘼𝘾𝘾 𝙇𝙀𝙂𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙎@BrianOliver1313 | @Dennis3DScott | @chibbs_1 pic.twitter.com/MmVFgJHgdf
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) November 18, 2022
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#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 |
Yellow Jackets in Professional Basketball
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, graduated ‘2016, plays pro in Spain) was the major contributor in Bilbao’s victory against the 13th-ranked Fuenlabrada (3-5) crushing them 109-82 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night’s game. He scored 22 points, made 4 passes and 3 steals in 26 minutes. Surne Bilbao Basket (2-1) is placed second in the Liga Endesa. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. It’s Smith’s first year with the team. Smith has relatively good stats this season 11.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.6apg and 1.4spg in eight games he played so far.
Experienced Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, graduated ‘2007, plays in the NBA) could not help the Toronto Raptors (9-8) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Young’s very good performance the Toronto Raptors (9-8) were edged124-122 on the road by the Atlanta Hawks. He scored 18 points, had 9 boards, passed 4 assists and added 4 steals. But the season just started, so everything may happen. This year Young averages 5.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.6apg and 1.1spg.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, graduated ‘2021, currently in the NBA) led New Orleans Pelicans to a victory against the Memphis Grizzlies (10-7) 113-102 in the NBA on Tuesday night. He scored 12 points and added 6 assists in 22 minutes. The New Orleans Pelicans have 9-7 record this season. It was his team’s third consecutive victory in a row. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. Alvarado has relatively good stats this year 8.4ppg, 2.4rpg and 2.9apg in 16 games.
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, graduated ‘2018, plays pro in the NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the New York Knicks (8-9) crushing them 116-95 in the NBA in Sunday night’s game. He recorded 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. The Phoenix Suns have a solid 10-6 record this season. But the season is still in its first stage and everything can happen. It’s Okogie’s first year with the team. This season Okogie averages 1.3ppg and 1.5rpg. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, graduated ‘2017, plays in Belgium) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Liege Basket (1-5) 92-76 in the BNXT League last Saturday. He recorded 8 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists in 27 minutes. It was his first game for Stella Artois Leuven Bears this season. His team is placed seventh in the BNXT League. It’s Heath’s fourth year with the team.
James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998, graduated ‘2020, currently in the NBA G League) contributed to a Texas Legends’ surprising victory against the Capitanes de Ciudad de Mexico 127-114 in the NBA G League on Wednesday night. He scored 10 points, had 7 rebounds and made 2 blocks. This season Banks III averages 9.3ppg, 7.8rpg and 3.0bpg.
Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, graduated ‘2005, plays pro in Japan) was not able to help Shinshu BW (5-6) in their last game. Despite his good performance the fourth-placed Shinshu BW was badly defeated78-60 in Nagoya by the lower-ranked (#5) FE Nagoya in the Central group. McHenry was the second best scorer with 14 points. He also added 9 rebounds, passed 4 assists and added 3 blocks in 34 minutes. This year McHenry averages 7.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.8apg and 1.1spg in 11 games.
Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, graduated ‘2016, plays in Argentina) helped Obera win their game against the 12th-ranked Boca 76-68 in the Argentinian La Liga last Sunday. Mitchell recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks. Mitchell has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages 16.1ppg and 9.9rpg.
Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998, graduated ‘2019, currently in Japan) was not able to secure a victory for SeaHorses Mikawa in their game against Tochigi Brex in the Japanese B1 League. He cannot count Saturday’s game as one of the best ones. Schafer recorded only 2 points and added 3 passes in 18 minutes. His team lost 69-81. This year he averages 6.0ppg and 3.9rpg in 11 games. Schafer is a naturalized Japanese.
Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992, graduated ‘2015, plays pro in Japan) couldn’t help Tokyo HT in their game against Saitama in the Japanese B3 League. Despite his very good performance in Friday night’s game He was the second best scorer with 29 points. Sampson also added 5 boards, handed out 4 passes and blocked 2 shots. This season he has very high stats. Sampson averages 16.5ppg, 8.7rpg, 2.0apg and 1.2spg. Worth to mention Sampson played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.
Other former Georgia Tech players, who play in pro basketball:
- Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995) plays for ALBA Berlin in German BBL
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991) plays for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA
- Jordan Usher (6’7”-F-1999) signed for Besiktas Icrypex Istanbul in Turkish BSL
- Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998) signed for Zhejiang Golden Bulls in Chinese CBA
- Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-1987) plays for Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rican BSN
- Kammeon Holsey (6’8”-F-1990) played for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League
- Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991) signed for Beijing Royal Fighters in Chinese CBA
- Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994) signed for Kuwait in Kuwaiti D1
- 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
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988) signed for Runa Basket in Russian Superleague 1
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991) plays for Power in the Big3
- Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999) signed for Ontario Clippers in the NBA G League
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
