THE FLATS – Josh Okogie continues to earn respect and playing time with the Suns … Thaddeus Young thinks now is a good time for a toad trip for the Raptors … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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OKOGIE CONTINUES EARNING RESPECT, PLAYING TIME IN PHOENIX
Josh Okogie isn’t the most notable name on the Phoenix Suns. but he’ll be damned if he won’t hustle harder than anybody on a basketball court.
The fifth-year veteran averages a mere 6.1 points per game and has started a combined seven games since the beginning of the 2021-22 season. He was acquired via free agency this past offseason after four years with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Okogie joined a rather deep roster that was entering this season two years removed from a 2021 NBA Finals run and fresh off a 64 win season, yet fast-forward to present day: The Suns have had damn near everybody hurt through a season that has tested everybody through the organization.
Okogie’s known for his defensive tenacity and hustle, yet it was his scoring output off the bench that helped Phoenix propel themselves to a 112-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.
“It’s always been a dream since I was a little kid. And now that I’m here, you know, I never take it for granted.”
🗣️ Josh Okogie reflects on his time in the league following his big game tonight. pic.twitter.com/AMQhYVUVg6
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 22, 2023
Josh Okogie tonight:
24 points
10 rebounds
4 assists
4 blocks
54% FGMasked Okogie is different 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0vOnq8HD5Y
— Soap (@NBASoap) January 22, 2023
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RAPTORS SHOULD NOT TRADE YOUNG
Writes Mike Luciano of Raptors Rapture…
These three assets should consider themselves safe, as there is no way that the Raptors can get good future value back for them in a trade. This trio still has a part to play as Toronto looks to either finish out the year on a high note or tank for the best pick available.
If the Raptors want to sell off some of the “Vision 6-9” assets and retool to a less power-forward-oriented approach, trading Chris Boucher might be a better way to accomplish that goal. Not only will he recoup more assets in a potential trade, but Young has proven to be the type of experienced glue guy this team needs.
Young has been absent from the rotation in the last few games, but he had some very nice moments against Minnesota and was held in such high regard earlier in the season that Nurse was starting him at center. Are we supposed to believe that he has forgotten how to play basketball and make winning plays in that span?
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YOUNG: IT’S A GREAT TIME FOR A ROAD TRIP
Raptors forward Thaddeus Young discusses the state of the team, why he thinks the timing of Toronto’s longest road trip is good and more.
THADDEUS YOUNG: What’s up, y’all? What’s up, what’s up?
– You’ve been on a few of these long trips over the years. How much do you think you guys can learn about yourselves on a tough, long West Coast trip like this?
THADDEUS YOUNG: I mean, we can learn a lot, you know, just from the simple fact of it’s such a long trip– we’re going to spend a lot of time together. We get a lot of chances to fight through adversity together without all of the extra distractions of being home and stuff like that. So for us it’s obviously a business trip. We just watched a film session of basically, like, you know, how well we were playing defensively last year and some of the effort plays and stuff like that, and we bring that same intensity that we had in that tape to each and every game. We put ourselves in a position to win this whole trip.
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
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DERRICK FAVORS RETURNS TO FREE AGENCY
Center/forward Derrick Favors has returned to free agency following the expiration of his 10-day contract last weekend with the Hawks, per the RealGM transactions report.
Favors, 31, is 6-foot-9 and signed his 10-day deal with the Hawks back on Jan. 11, but did not appear in a game.
He was waived by the Rockets back in October, after being acquired in a trade with the Thunder — who acquired him early in the offseason from the Jazz.
Derrick Favors Returns to Free Agency https://t.co/shFcjdAMJy pic.twitter.com/SYaPxih00Y
— Hoops Wire (@WireHoops) January 24, 2023
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ALVARADO GOES FOR 17 OFF THE BENCH
Jose Alvarado finished Tuesday’s 99-98 loss to the Nuggets with 17 points (8-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt), one rebound and three assists over 27 minutes.
Alvarado bounced back with an extremely efficient performance Tuesday following a 1-for-8 outing in his previous appearance. The backup point guard has now scored in double figures in four of his past five games and is averaging 11.6 points, 2.8 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 27.6 minutes during that stretch. However, with Brandon Ingram (toe) set to return Wednesday, Alvarado could see his role slightly decrease moving forward.
Jose Alvarado is so much fun to watch. Bonus points to Nance Jr for the mini Gortat screen on the roll. pic.twitter.com/fRNYRwK0Xk
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) January 25, 2023
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#ProJackets on Social Media
Two games, two arenas, two fits.
One day.
Our @BrianOliver1313 is one of the hardest-working people in sports. pic.twitter.com/EdqTYdAWoD
— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) January 22, 2023
Josh Okogie joked Deandre Ayton owed him a couple of dinners before he talks to him again after accidentally breaking his nose.
“I had my fair share of hitting people too, this is probably just payback for other noses I probably broke before.” pic.twitter.com/Ca65naljBt
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) January 21, 2023
Jose Alvarado’s kids delivering wholesome postgame content 🥹@PelicansNBA pic.twitter.com/EQ0BgOVgx7
— Bally Sports New Orleans (@BallySportsNO) January 25, 2023
Jordan Usher. 😤 pic.twitter.com/dP9MyEXhek
— Pozitif Spor (@PozitifSport) January 21, 2023
When it’s most difficult… @Callmeush 💪💪💪@OctagonBballEU #octagonfamily pic.twitter.com/1RRgpcD1Vw
— Marko Jelic (@JelicOCT) January 21, 2023
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3D Cam on NBATV! #LetsGo pic.twitter.com/7yTNZqRASC
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) January 23, 2023
Yellow Jackets in Professional Basketball
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, played in 2016-18, plays pro in the NBA) led Phoenix Suns to a victory over the Indiana Pacers (23-25) 112-107 in the NBA on Saturday night. He was MVP of the game. Okogie recorded a double-double by scoring 24 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 4 assists and 4 blocks in 35 minutes. The Phoenix Suns have 24-24 record this season. It was his team’s third consecutive victory in a row. This season Okogie averages 5.2ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.1apg. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, played in 2017-21, plays in China) was the main contributor in a Zhejiang Golden Bulls’ victory against the sixth-ranked Ducks (17-11) 94-88 in the Chinese CBA in Wednesday night’s game. He was MVP of the game. Wright recorded 27 points (!!!) and grabbed 8 rebounds; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only his second season in pro basketball. Zhejiang Golden Bulls (23-4) are placed first in the CBA. It was his team’s third consecutive victory in a row. The Regular Season already ended. It’s Wright’s first year with the team. Wright has relatively good stats this season 12.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg and 1.3spg in 24 games he played so far.
Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, played in 2017-16, currently in the NBA), who plays in the NBA could not help the New Orleans Pelicans (26-21) in their game last Friday. Despite Alvarado’s very good performance the New Orleans Pelicans (26-21) were defeated 123-110 on the road by the Orlando Magic. He scored 17 points, had 4 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 30 minutes. It’s Alvarado’s first season with the team. Alvarado has relatively good stats this year 9.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.1apg and 1.2spg.
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, played in 2015-16, plays pro in Spain) was not able to help one of league’s weakest teams Bilbao (2-1) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Bilbao lost 78-88 in Barcelona to the leading Barca. Smith was the top scorer with 16 points. It’s Smith’s first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year 13.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.9apg and 1.1spg in 17 games.
Jordan Usher (6’7”-SF-1999, played in 2019-22, plays in Turkey) contributed to an easy victory against the 11th-ranked Konyaspor (6-10) 77-60 in the Turkish BSL in Saturday night’s game. He was MVP of the game. Usher recorded 19 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 31 minutes; not bad, considering it’s only his first season in pro basketball. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (4-12) is located at the very bottom in the BSL. But the situation may improve as they ended a series of three consecutive loses. The Regular Season already ended. Usher has relatively good stats this season 15.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg and 1.1spg.
Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, played in 2013-14, currently in China) contributed to a Beijing Royal Fighters’ surprising victory against the ninth-ranked Monkey Kings 118-109 in the Chinese CBA last Wednesday. Golden was MVP of the game. He recorded 28 points (!!!), 5 assists and 3 steals (made all of his seven free throws). Golden has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages 22.5ppg, 4.5rpg and 6.1apg in 26 games.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, played in 2014-18, plays pro in Germany) was not able to secure a victory for ALBA Berlin in their game against Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Euroleague. He scored only 4 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 17 minutes. His team was defeated 87-74. This season Lammers averages 6.5ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.1spg.
Experienced Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, played in 2006-07, plays in the NBA) couldn’t help the Toronto Raptors in their game against the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Young recorded 8 points. His team were edged 106-104 in the NBA. This year Young averages 4.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.6apg and 1.1spg in 38 games.
Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, played in 2001-05, currently in Japan), who plays in the Japanese B1 League couldn’t help Shinshu BW (16-16) in their game last Saturday. Despite his very good performance the third-placed Shinshu BW was badly defeated89-70 at home by the leading Chiba Jets in the Central group. McHenry was the top scorer with 18 points. He also added 7 boards, handed out 5 passes and blocked 2 shots in 31 minutes. This season McHenry averages 9.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.4apg and 1.1spg.
Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, played in 2014-16, plays pro in Argentina) helped Obera win their game against the league outsider Atenas 68-59 in the Argentinian La Liga on Sunday night. Mitchell was MVP of the game. He had a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 12 rebounds. Mitchell also added and 3 steals. Mitchell has very impressive stats this year 15.6ppg and 9.8rpg in 21 games.
Other former Georgia Tech players, who play in pro basketball:
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991, played in 2009-23) is a free agent in the NBA
- Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998, played in 2017-19) plays for SeaHorses Mikawa in Japanese B1 League
- 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
- Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, played in 2014-17) plays for Stella Artois Leuven Bears in Belgian Pro Basketball League
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Shembari Phillips (6’3”-G-1997, played in 2017-17) played for EPG Baskets Koblenz in German ProB last year
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988, played in 2007-10) plays for Runa Basket in Russian Superleague 1
- Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999, played in 2018-22) plays 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.
#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 |
