THE FLATS – Jose Alvarado has been named to play in the Rising Stars Game during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend … Also, Alvarado signs shoe deal with a Chinese company … Josh Okogie on and off the court … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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ALVARADO PICKED TO PLAY IN RISING STARS GAME
Former Georgia Tech guard Jose Alvarado is going to be playing in this year’s NBA Rising Stars game.
Alvarado has been one of the best stories in the NBA since the undrafted point guard emerged onto the scene for the New Orleans Pelicans and this is another great achievement for Alvarado.
Alvarado is one of the most important players off the bench for the Pelicans and he is having a solid season. He is averaging 9.5 PPG off the bench to go along with 3.2 assists and 2.4 rebounds and one steal per game. His three-point shooting percentage is at 34% and he is playing 22 minutes per game.
Oh man … this is crazy !!! I can’t even believe it. Thank y’all ❤️ https://t.co/FMnvya5kz9
— Jose Alvarado (@AlvaradoJose15) January 31, 2023
Earning his 1st #JordanRisingStars selection… Jose Alvarado of the @PelicansNBA!@AlvaradoJose15 went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Georgia Tech.
See his highlights, stats and MORE, now in the NBA App: https://t.co/xI9Icbbx7w pic.twitter.com/7sLOmWf2PZ
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) January 31, 2023
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ALVARADO SIGNS SHOE DEAL
Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado has gone from undrafted rookie last season to a second-year player with a new four-year, $6.5 million contract and now his own shoe endorsement deal, according to an ESPN report.
ESPN sports business reporter Nick DePaula tweeted last week that Alvarado had signed a multi-year contract with the Chinese company Peak Sport Products Company, Ltd., and would be the face of the Quanzhou City-based manufacturer’s upcoming “Attitude” shoe line and advertising campaign.
Peak has been around since 1989, according to the company’s English-language website. Alvarado is not the first NBA player signed to wear the company’s products. The website says it has or had endorsement deals with players Shane Battier, Dwight Howard, O.J. Mayo, Tony Parker, Andrew Wiggins and Lou Williams.
Two of the company’s Tony Parker shoes currently sell for $129.99 and $119.99, respectively. It was unclear when the first Alvarado shoes will be available to the public, nor what the price point would be. But the news had some fans of the 24-year-old guard excited.
BREAKING: Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado has signed a multi-year shoe deal with PEAK. 📄✍️@AlvaradoJose15 will headline the brand’s Attitude series of hoop shoes and be featured in brand campaigns. pic.twitter.com/7W0OsqlXpW
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) January 26, 2023
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BANKS RETURNS FROM INJURY BUT STRUGGLES
From CBSSports.com: James Banks tallied zero points (0-2 FG), five rebounds, two steals and one assist in 20 minutes during Thursday’s 131-108 loss to the Austin Spurs. Banks played in his first game Thursday since being put on the injured list for an undisclosed reason in late November. Despite failing to score, he did start in his return.
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OKOGIE: THE MAN, THE GAMES, THE SHADES
Josh Okogie is a basketball sensation. At the age of just twenty-four, he plays for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA and has already represented the Nigerian national basketball team at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Born in Lagos, Okogie emigrated to the USA with his family at the age of three. The Okogie family settled in Snellville, Georgia, where Josh began playing basketball while at high school. Starting his professional career with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018, he played in the NBA Summer League with the team for the first time that same year.
But Okogie isn’t just known for his skills on the court; he’s renowned for his sharp dress sense, too. His bright shirts, crisply tailored jackets, jewelry, and on-trend sunglasses mean he’s frequently the top scorer when it comes to aesthetic achievement. We explore more about the NBA star’s on and off-court style below, including how to get his look yourself!
#ProJackets on Social Media
Everyone told him why he couldn’t make it –
We told him why he could make it –
SELF-BELIEF is POWERFUL!
@AlvaradoJose15 has an amazing story that players from every level can follow.
Super excited to see him on his home floor tonight!#Winner #Driven #UnderDog pic.twitter.com/IIFlAjMZwQ
— Phil Beckner (@PhilBeckner) January 25, 2023
Thaddeus Young wants the Raptors to find their identity again. It starts on the defensive end 😤 pic.twitter.com/ybHhnOPMoK
— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) January 25, 2023
I drew a picture of Josh Okogie. pic.twitter.com/D1iu4ecluh
— Logan (@logancgreig) December 18, 2022
This is how we roll into and out of Barclays 🤜🏾💪🏿🦾#LeaveIt pic.twitter.com/V219QtlEk1
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) January 31, 2023
I played with the New Jersey Nets 1991 until 1995 @BrooklynNets pic.twitter.com/JXVj1mWoYN
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) January 30, 2023
This 👇… Get my thoughts on Defense in today’s episode. And contrary to popular opinion I did play defense 😁 https://t.co/BGaED78l47
— Mark Price (@Mark25Price) January 31, 2023
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Yellow Jackets in Professional Basketball
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, played in 2015-16, plays pro in Spain) led his Spanish team Bilbao to a victory over the closely-ranked Dacka (0-1) 85-75 in the Basketball Champions League on Wednesday night. He was MVP of the game. Smith recorded 14 points and added 4 assists in 26 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Surne Bilbao Basket (1-1) is placed third in the Basketball Champions League. There are only four games left until the end of the Basketball Champions League Top 16. So now every game will be critical. It’s Smith’s first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year 11.1ppg, 2.6rpg and 3.6apg.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, played in 2017-16, plays in the NBA) could not help the New Orleans Pelicans (26-26) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the New Orleans Pelicans (26-26) were crushed 135-110 on the road by the Milwaukee Bucks. Alvarado was the top scorer with 18 points. He also added 6 passes; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only Alvarado’s second season in pro basketball. It was Pelicans’ ninth consecutive loss in a row. Alvarado has relatively good stats this year 9.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg and 1.2spg in 51 games he played so far.
Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998, played in 2017-19, currently in Japan) was the major contributor in a SeaHorses Mikawa’s victory against the seventh-ranked Cyberdyne Ibaraki Robots (11-23) 74-65 in the Japanese B1 League last Sunday. He scored 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 32 minutes. SeaHorses Mikawa (12-22) is placed sixth in Central group. This season Schafer averages 4.9ppg and 3.9rpg. He is a naturalized Japanese.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, played in 2014-18, plays pro in Germany) managed to help ALBA Berlin in a victory against the tenth-ranked Hakro Merlins (7-9) crushing them 100-77 in the German BBL on Saturday night. He scored only 4 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and made 2 blocks. ALBA Berlinis placed first in the BBL. This year Lammers averages 7.3ppg and 4.3rpg in nine games.
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, played in 2016-18, plays in the NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the Charlotte Hornets (15-37) crushing them 128-97 in the NBA in Tuesday night’s game. Okogie recorded 9 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in 25 minutes. The Phoenix Suns have 27-25 record this season. It’s Okogie’s first year with the team. This year he averages 5.1ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.2apg. Okogie is a naturalized Nigerian.
Experienced Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, played in 2006-07, currently in the NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the Portland Trail Blazers 123-105 in the NBA last Saturday. Young scored 7 points. This year he averages 4.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.5apg and 1.1spg in 41 games.
Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, played in 2001-05, plays pro in Japan) was not able to help Shinshu BW (17-17) in their game last Saturday. Despite McHenry’s good performance the third-placed Shinshu BW was defeated 104-96 in Nagoya by the lower-ranked Nagoya DD (#3) in the Central group. He recorded a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 15 rebounds. McHenry also added 6 assists and 3 steals in 39 minutes. This season he averages 9.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 3.5apg and 1.2spg.
Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, played in 2014-16, plays in Argentina) was the main contributor in Obera’s victory against the 12th-ranked La Union 76-70 in the Argentinian La Liga in Wednesday night’s game. He was MVP of the game. Mitchell had a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks. Mitchell has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages 15.9ppg and 9.7rpg in 23 games.
Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, played in 2014-17, currently in Belgium), who plays in Belgium was not able to secure a victory for Stella Artois Leuven Bears (6-8) in their game last Friday. Despite his good performance Stella Artois Leuven Bears was defeated 80-76 in Limburg by the higher-ranked United (#5). Heath recorded 10 points and added 3 passes in 35 minutes. This season he averages 7.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 6.4apg and 1.3spg.
Jordan Usher (6’7”-SF-1999, played in 2019-22, plays pro in Turkey) couldn’t help Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul in their game against Manisa in the Turkish BSL. He scored 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. His team was edged 76-73. Usher has relatively good stats this year 14.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg and 1.1spg in 16 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
- Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, played in 2017-21) plays for Zhejiang Golden Bulls in Chinese CBA
- Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-1987, played in 2005-09) played for Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rican BSN few monts ago
- Zachery Peacock (6’8”-F/C-1987, played in 2006-10) played for FOS Provence Basket in French Betclic ELITE ProA last year
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998, played in 2018-20) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Kammeon Holsey (6’8”-F-1990, played in 2009-09) played for College Park SkyHawks in the NBA G League last year
- Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, played in 2013-14) plays for Beijing Royal Fighters in Chinese CBA
- 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
- Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Kuwait in Kuwaiti D1
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999, played in 2017-19) plays for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Tadric Jackson (6’2”-G-1994, played in 2014-18) plays for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-C-1994, played in 2014-15) plays for Samsunspor in Turkish TBL
- 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
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991, played in 2009-12) played for Power in the Big3 last year
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992, played in 2013-13) plays for Tokyo HT in Japanese B3 League
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988, played in 2007-10) plays for Runa Basket in Russian Superleague 1
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 |
