THE FLATS – Josh Okogie’s heart and hustle making a difference for the Suns … Jose Alvarado’s return pushed back …more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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OKOGIE’S HEART, HUSTLE MAKING DIFFERENCE FOR SUNS
An unlikely hero rose to the occasion in the Phoenix Suns’ 116-113 win against the Orlando Magic.
With just a few seconds left on the clock, Josh Okogie delivered in a huge way by blocking Paolo Banchero’s three point attempt, icing the game for the Suns.
Despite the potential option to foul, Okogie stuck to his gut instinct and ultimately made the right move.
Okogie put up 15 points, four rebounds and four assists to go along with his game-sealing block.
This game was no fluke. Okogie has become a key part of Phoenix’s game plan and a guy they could rely on in any situation.
“It is tough, man,” Paul said on Okogie’s block. “What Josh (Okogie) be doing is some of the stuff I’ve never seen before. That block in Houston was tough; not only did he do that, but he went and dunked on the guy. That is a gutsy block there being up three; anything can happen or what not. We trust him. He built our trust by having those types of plays in those situations.”
Okogie’s importance to the Suns goes way beyond his 7.2 points, 3.4 rebound and 1.3 assists a game. He is a fantastic two-way player and his game will translate perfectly for playoff basketball.
Okogie may not be flashy – but he is the type of guy Phoenix needs to balance out the lineup and play big minutes.
Josh Okogie with the game-saving block against the Magic pic.twitter.com/23KoIEW3lm
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 17, 2023
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ALVARADO’S RETURN TIMETABLE PUSHED BACK
The healing process from a stress reaction in his right tibia was prolonged for Jose Alvarado for additional 2-3 weeks. If the Pelicans do not make the play-in tournament or the playoffs straight away, the season for the Puerto Rican guard might be over.
The New Orleans Pelicans guard played his last game on February 27th against the Orlando Magic. The team has provided a new update on the player’s health.
Alvarado has shown little improvement in his rehab and will miss additional 2-3 weeks, the Pelicans announced. He was previously diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right tibia.
With just 10 games remaining for the Pelicans, they’re currently out of the playoff picture as they sit in 12th place in the Western Conference standings. If they don’t manage to make at least the play-in tournament, the season for Alvarado might be over.
So far this season, Alvarado has played in 61 games for the Pelicans, averaging 9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
-From Hoops Rumors
Medical Update on Jose Alvarado:
Recent medical imaging on Jose Alvarado, who has missed the last 10 games due to a stress reaction in his right tibia, showed incremental improvement. He will continue his rehabilitation process and will be re-examined in 2-3 weeks.
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 22, 2023
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#ProJackets on Social Media
wallpaper wednesday but make it 3D pic.twitter.com/3gIpfi7Hri
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 22, 2023
One of my favorite people in life @CoachJayWright , I wish you where still coaching, @dscott1_ and I would be recruiting you! #BestPartAboutWork #WorkMarchMadness @SethDavisHoops We see 👀U #WorkFamily pic.twitter.com/vkUURdoP9d
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) March 16, 2023
Another Skilled 80’s Player that ya’ll Sleep on…Mark Price Was Nice! 🫣 pic.twitter.com/z8FvbqKx3A
— Mark Edwards aka Sifu (@MEdwardsBball) March 13, 2023
— Mark Price (@Mark25Price) March 21, 2023
Eurobasket #ProJackets Report
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, played in 2016-18, plays pro in the NBA) led Phoenix Suns to a 3-point victory against the Orlando Magic (29-43) 116-113 in the NBA on Thursday night. He recorded 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and made 3 blocks (made all of his five free throws) in 31 minutes. The Phoenix Suns have 38-33 record this season. Okogie has relatively good stats this year 7.2ppg, 3.3rpg and 1.3apg. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Jordan Usher (6’7”-SF-1999, played in 2019-22, plays in Turkey) could not help one of league’s weakest teams Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (11-7) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul lost 80-95 in a derby game to the second-ranked Fenerbahce. Usher was the top scorer with 22 points. He also added 7 rebounds; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only Usher’s first season in pro basketball. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. It’s Usher’s first year with the team. Usher has relatively good stats this season 14.8ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.2apg in 20 games he played so far.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, played in 2014-18, currently in Germany) contributed to an ALBA Berlin’s victory against the fifth-ranked EnBW Ludwigsburg (15-8) 83-77 in the German BBL last Sunday. Lammers scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 27 minutes. ALBA Berlin (21-2) is placed first in the BBL. It was his team’s third consecutive victory in a row. This season Lammers averages 6.6ppg, 4.8rpg and 1.1bpg.
Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, played in 2017-21, plays pro in China) was not able to help Zhejiang Golden Bulls (31-5) in their last game. Despite Wright’s very good performance the league leader Zhejiang Golden Bulls were edged 97-94 in a derby game by the much lower-ranked (#8) Guangsha Lions. He was the second best scorer with 18 points. Wright also added 6 boards, passed 4 assists and added 4 steals; not bad, considering it’s only his second season in pro basketball. It’s Wright’s first year with the team. Wright has relatively good stats this season 12.9ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1bpg and 1.3spg in 33 games.
Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, played in 2013-14, plays in China) led Beijing Royal Fighters to a victory over the closely-ranked Jiangsu Dragons (16-21) 94-85 in the Chinese CBA in Monday night’s game. Golden was MVP of the game. He recorded 21 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists (made all of his five free throws) in 28 minutes. Beijing Royal Fighters (13-23) are placed 16th in the CBA. It was his team’s third consecutive victory in a row. It’s Golden’s first season with the team. Golden has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages 21.3ppg, 4.2rpg and 5.8apg.
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, played in 2015-16, currently in Spain) contributed to Bilbao’s victory against the closely-ranked Girona 84-77 in the Spanish Liga Endesa last Sunday. He scored 8 points and added 3 assists. Smith has relatively good stats this year 13.3ppg, 2.1rpg and 3.0apg in 23 games.
Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998, played in 2017-19, plays pro in Japan) was not able to secure a victory for SeaHorses Mikawa (16-26) in their game last Friday. Despite Schafer’s good performance the sixth-placed SeaHorses Mikawa was edged80-77 on the road by the lower-ranked Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo (#8) in the Central group. He scored 13 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 24 minutes. This season Schafer averages 5.6ppg and 4.3rpg. He is a naturalized Japanese.
Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, played in 2014-17, plays in Belgium) contributed to a Stella Artois Leuven Bears’ victory against the ninth-ranked Den Helder 87-77 in the BNXT League in Sunday night’s game. He scored 9 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 7 assists. Heath has relatively good stats this year 10.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 6.9apg and 1.1spg in 14 games.
Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, played in 2012-16, currently in Kuwait) was the major contributor in Kuwait’s victory against the closely-ranked Al-Manama crushing them 106-78 in the West Asia Super League last Monday. Georges-Hunt scored 23 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 5 assists in 33 minutes. This season he has very high stats. Georges-Hunt averages 19.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.8apg and 1.8spg. He is a naturalized Virgin Islander.
Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995, played in 2017-19, plays pro in Georgia) couldn’t help Batumi (9-8) in their last game. Despite his good performance Batumi was crushed96-69 at home by the lower-ranked (#9) Mega. Alston was the second best scorer with 14 points. He has relatively good stats this year 12.0ppg, 4.4rpg and 3.2apg in 10 games.
Other former Georgia Tech players, who play in pro basketball:
- Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, played in 2006-07) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
- Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, played in 2017-16) plays for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991, played in 2009-23) played 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 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
- Daniel Miller (6’11”-C-1991, played in 2009-14) played for Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo in Japanese B1 League last year
- Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, played in 2001-05) plays for Shinshu BW in Japanese B1 League
- Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, played in 2014-16) plays for Obera in Argentinian La Liga
- 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
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992, played in 2013-13) plays for Yamaguchi in Japanese B3 League
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991, played in 2009-12) plays for Brillantes in Venezuelan SPB
- Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999, played in 2018-22) plays for Ontario Clippers in the NBA G 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
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 |
