THE FLATS – Derrick Favors reflects on going from key player in the NBA to a free agent on a 10-day contract … Michael Devoe off to encouraging start in the G League … Josh Okogie keeping the faith as Suns go through losing skid … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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FROM NBA STALWART TO TEMP PLAYER “TOUGH” FOR FAVORS
“It is difficult to go from playing 35 minutes one year to 18 minutes off the bench the next year. It’s all about adjusting your mind, the only thing you can do is be prepared, no matter how many minutes you are playing. you have to look after yourself play as hard as you can And whatever happens, happens. You have to be mentally prepared,” reflected Derrick Favors in a conversation with MD and Gigantes del Baskets in the Hawks locker room before Saturday’s game in Toronto.
Draft No. 3 in 2010, New Jersey was the one that saw him debut and the Jazz were successful between 2011 and 2019, a permanent starter from seasons 13–14, reaching 16.4 points, 8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 blocks His best ever performance in a season, averaging 15-16 in the campaign. in which they were until recently Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, who also joined Ricky Rubio And other interesting elements such as former Barca player Dante Exum, drafted 5th in 2014.
The team that deserved a ring that couldn’t finish, transferred the favors. pelican In 2019. This would be the beginning of his ‘end’ as a player of substance. Back in Utah, he signed a new three-year contract with the Jazz for the 20–21 season. But nothing would be the same again, with a first-round draft pick in exchange for a second-round pick and transferred to Oklahoma for the 21–22 season, Utah achieved its objective, getting rid of his salary. and from Oklahoma to Houston. From a star to a bargaining chip and from there to the trunk of memories. Because, so often, fans never quite get used to the new reality of players in this category, instead remembering them for what they were made of.
(Editor’s note: Favors has not taken the court for the Hawks, contract expires Friday)
More from Nation World News (translated from Spanish)
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ENCOURAGING START FOR DEVOE IN G LEAGUE
Former Georgia Tech guard Michael Devoe is gaining notice playing for the Ontario Clippers in the NBA G League. Devoe, who signed with the Los Angeles Clippers as an undrafted free agent in June but did not make the team’s roster, has been elevated into Ontario’s starting lineup for its past four games.
In that time, Devoe has been averaging 31.8 minutes, 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds. It is an encouraging turn for Devoe, who is one of five rookies on Ontario’s 13-player roster. A year ago, after not making the Los Angeles Clippers roster in the preseason, former Tech forward Moses Wright performed well enough with the Clippers’ G League affiliate to earn a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks. (Wright is playing this season in China.)
Devoe’s coach with Ontario is former Yellow Jackets coach Paul Hewitt.
More from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cooked it up 👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/MyLZ3QNKZh
— Ontario Clippers (@OntClippers) January 13, 2023
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SUNS STRUGGLING, OKOGIE KEEPS THE FAITH
After their 136-106 loss to Memphis on Monday, Suns forward Josh Okogie said that Phoenix can get out of their rut by simply playing “through it.”
Okogie is also encouraged by the Suns’ culture persevering through this skid and that Phoenix’s “spirits are still high” despite the losses they’ve dealt with. Okogie believes that once the Suns get healthy, they’ll “be just fine.”
“The way we operate, the way we practice, our attention to detail, we’re still operating like we’re a top three team in the West.”
Okogie and the Suns are set to host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
“Keep playing. Can’t get out of it. You’ve got to get through it.”
Josh Okogie as #Suns are 1-9 in their last 10 after Monday’s loss at #Grizzlies to end 4-game road trip with three straight defeats. #MLKDay2023 pic.twitter.com/UCi07VoAKz
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 17, 2023
Josh Okogie (nose) #Suns https://t.co/6aisZKON2P pic.twitter.com/Gs9XkWKucr
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 18, 2023
#ProJackets on Social Media
Jose Alvarado got a tech for pointing his finger at Luke Kornet 👀 pic.twitter.com/RaK2h3d390
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 12, 2023
Jose Alvarado doing ‘The Rondo’ fake behind-the-back fake and finish!pic.twitter.com/nGlyoBfkEE
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧’ 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) January 8, 2023
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Happy MLK Day From Memphis 🦆 pic.twitter.com/S5vPDIznf8
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) January 16, 2023
There are some places people put on their bucket list but some places are just part of the list. #centralpark pic.twitter.com/PCiR5JNN2m
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) January 17, 2023
Yellow Jackets in Professional Basketball
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, played in 2015-16, plays pro in Spain) was the major contributor in Bilbao’s victory against the 12th-ranked Murcia (7-9) 99-81 in the Spanish Liga Endesa on Sunday night. He scored 20 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 33 minutes. Surne Bilbao Basket (9-4) is placed third in the Liga Endesa. It’s Smith’s first season with the team. Smith has relatively good stats this year 13.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.0apg and 1.2spg.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, played in 2014-18, plays in Germany) led his German team ALBA Berlin to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Milano (6-13) crushing them 83-63 in the Euroleague in Tuesday night’s game. Lammers scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. ALBA Berlin (6-13) is placed second from the bottom (#17) in the Euroleague. It was his team’s third consecutive victory in a row. This year Lammers averages 6.6ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.2spg in 16 games he played so far.
Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, played in 2017-21, currently in China), who plays in the Chinese CBA could not help Zhejiang Golden Bulls (21-4) in their game last Thursday. Despite Wright’s very good performance the league leader Zhejiang Golden Bulls were defeated 96-88 on the road by the much lower-ranked Pioneers (#18). He recorded a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 13 rebounds. Wright also added 2 blocks in 38 minutes. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Wright has relatively good stats this season 12.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg and 1.3spg.
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, played in 2016-18, plays pro in the NBA) was not able to help the Phoenix Suns (21-23) in their last game. Despite Okogie’s good performance the Phoenix Suns (21-23) were crushed 126-97 in Denver by the Nuggets. He was the second best scorer with 14 points. Okogie also added 9 rebounds and dished 5 assists. This year Okogie averages 4.7ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.1apg in 38 games. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Jordan Usher (6’7”-F-1999, played in 2019-22, plays in Turkey) was not able to secure a victory for Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (3-12) in their game last Friday. Despite his very good performance the bottom-ranked Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul was defeated 82-69 on the opponent’s court by the much higher-ranked Buyukcekmece (#7). Usher was the top scorer with 20 points. He also added 7 rebounds in 34 minutes. Usher’s team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. It’s Usher’s first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year 14.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.4apg and 1.1spg.
Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, played in 2013-14, currently in China), who plays in the Chinese CBA couldn’t help Beijing Royal Fighters (9-16) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Beijing Royal Fighters were badly defeated110-92 in Yingkou by the second-ranked Flying Leopards. Golden was the top scorer with 26 points. He also added 4 rebounds and dished 6 assists. Golden has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages 22.8ppg, 4.7rpg and 6.0apg in 24 games.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, played in 2017-16, plays pro in the NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the Washington Wizards crushing them 132-112 in the NBA on Monday night. He recorded 10 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists in 25 minutes. Alvarado has relatively good stats this season 9.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.1apg and 1.2spg.
Experienced Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, played in 2006-07, plays in the NBA) managed to help Toronto Raptors in a victory against the Portland Trail Blazers 117-105 in the NBA in Sunday night’s game. He scored only 4 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. This year Young averages 4.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.6apg and 1.1spg in 35 games.
Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998, played in 2017-19, currently in Japan) couldn’t help SeaHorses Mikawa in their game against Shinshu BW in the Japanese B1 League. He scored 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 23 minutes. His team was defeated 67-53. This season Schafer averages 4.5ppg and 3.7rpg. He is a naturalized Japanese.
Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, played in 2014-17, plays pro in Belgium) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Belfius Mons-Hainaut crushing them 93-71 in the BNXT League on Friday night. He scored 5 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 8 assists. This year Heath averages 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 6.9apg and 1.4spg in seven games..
Other former Georgia Tech players, who play in pro basketball:
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991, played in 2009-23) plays for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
- Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-1987, played in 2005-09) played for Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rican BSN few months ago
- Zachery Peacock (6’8”-F/C-1987, played in 2006-10) played for FOS Provence Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA last year
- Kammeon Holsey (6’8”-F-1990, played in 2009-09) played for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League last year
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998, played in 2018-20) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-1991, played in 2009-14) played for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League last year
- Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995, played in 2017-19) plays for Batumi in Georgian Superleague
- Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, played in 2001-05) plays for Shinshu BW in Japanese B1 League
- Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Kuwait in Kuwaiti D1
- Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, played in 2014-16) plays for Obera in Argentinian La Liga
- Tadric Jackson (6’2”-G-1994, played in 2014-18) plays for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999, played in 2017-19) plays for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-C-1994, played in 2014-15) plays for Samsunspor in Turkish TBL - Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991, played in 2009-12) played for Power in the Big3 last year
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988, played in 2007-10) plays for Runa Basket in Russian Superleague 1
- Shembari Phillips (6’3”-G-1997, played in 2017-17) played for EPG Baskets Koblenz in German ProB last year
- Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999, played in 2018-22) plays for Ontario Clippers in the NBA G League
- Will Bynum (6’0”-PG-1983, played in 2001-05) played for Bivouac in the Big3 last year
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992, played in 2013-13) plays for Tokyo HT in Japanese B3 League
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
#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 |
