THE FLATS – Josh Okogie is ready to leave it all on the court for the Suns as playoffs begin … Shaq shows admiration for Jose Alvarado … Chris Bosh shares experiences with the student body at the U … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
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OKOGIE READY TO GIVE SUNS “EVERYTHING I HAVE”
Ever since the trade deadline this NBA season, all eyes across the NBA have been fixated on the Phoenix Suns because of their superstar core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.
This group has been fantastic together when they are all out there on the floor together and they led the Suns to the 4-seed in the Western Conference. However, what has flown under-the-radar in Phoenix are the contributions from their role players, especially the impact of Josh Okogie.
Drafted 20th overall in 2018 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Okogie recently joined the Suns this past offseason after spending the first four seasons of his career in Minnesota. Initially seeing very limited minutes off-the-bench to begin the season, Okogie quickly flipped the script and became a key part of his team’s nightly rotation, even starting in 26 of the 72 total regular season games he played in!
Finishing the regular season averaging 7.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in about 18.8 minutes per game, Okogie has made his mark in Phoenix with his rebounding, defensive effort and improved three-point shooting numbers.
Ahead of the start of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers, which is currently in progress, Josh Okogie took some time to talk to Fastbreak on FanNation about the success he has found in his first season with the Suns, as well as why he believes Phoenix has a chance to win their first NBA championship.
This a wild thread lol 😂 https://t.co/vMOP24L39H
— Josh Okogie (@CallMe_NonStop) April 14, 2023
NonStop Hustle 💪
J.O. was one-of-four guards in the @NBA this season with 100+ offensive rebounds.
He’s also just the fourth guard in franchise history to do so in a single season! pic.twitter.com/rnUdBTGezM
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 15, 2023
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ALVARADO GETS BIG SHOUT-OUT FROM SHAQ
Shaquille O’Neal has admitted that he doesn’t know the name of players that aren’t in the top 20 players in the NBA. However, as with everything on the planet, there do exist a few exceptions here. And as it appears, Jose Alvarado is clearly one of them.
Recently an account on Instagram published some context of Alvarado in action. And after coming across it, apparently, Shaquille O’Neal couldn’t help but share it on his Instagram story. Take a look below.
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Jose Alvarado getting shots up: pic.twitter.com/fnQN3TUSgk
— Dodson, Chris Dodson (@DoingItDodson) April 13, 2023
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BOSH BRINGS THE HEAT TO UM
“This place has a very special place in my heart,” said two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh as University of Miami students welcomed him to the third floor of the Shalala Student Center.
On Thursday evening, What Matters to U (WMTU) executed this semester’s final speaker event. Bosh, the keynote presenter, looked back fondly on the tough days he experienced on campus at the U as a Miami Heat star.
“10 years ago when we were trying to win a championship, I was up here every day lifting weights,” the Basketball Hall of Famer said.
Bosh played a single season of collegiate basketball at Georgia Tech before eventually submitting his name in the 2003 NBA Draft. The power forward was selected fourth overall in the first round by the Toronto Raptors. He would go on to become one-third of the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” alongside Lebron James and Dwyane Wade and lead the team to 4 back-to-back NBA finals appearances.
The 11-time NBA All-Star talked about stepping outside of comfort zones, the formula to success and how to “rebound” from the curveballs that life will throw your way.
Only four players have scored 1,000+ playoff points for the Heat.
🔥 Dwayne Wade: 3,864
🔥 LeBron James: 2,338
🔥 Chris Bosh: 1,163
🔥 Jimmy Butler: 1,026H/T @statmuse | @MiamiHEAT pic.twitter.com/mWZhlYRUSO
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 17, 2023
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DENNIS SCOTT VISITS SOUTH AFRICA
I need help from all my real people who care, I need to refurbish this court so these kids in this neighborhood have a place to hoop! #ShootersParadiseCourt ✔️🍿📺🔥🙏🏿🇿🇦 #LeaveIt pic.twitter.com/Y8wRI32oNn
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) April 18, 2023
Life Changing! 🍿🔥🔥🙏🏿🇿🇦 https://t.co/GP7icDcXMj
— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) April 18, 2023
BAL League!
New Hoop Opportunity #aLeaveIt
📺🍿🔥🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/bI09vSYmvO— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) April 17, 2023
EMBA Class of 23 #SouthAfricaTrip Safari Life
📺👀🍿🙏🏿✔️ pic.twitter.com/UPc38nO1Ly— Dennis 3D Scott (@Dennis3DScott) April 16, 2023
#ProJackets on Social Media
Nah.. he just be T Craig. 😂😂 https://t.co/3UjcOFhWtZ
— Josh Okogie (@CallMe_NonStop) April 6, 2023
we’d like to wish a happy birthday to the best version of GTA, Jose Alvarado 🥳 pic.twitter.com/gJdJf93hzz
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 12, 2023
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Eurobasket #ProJackets Report
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, played in 2014-18, plays pro in Germany) was the major contributor in an ALBA Berlin’s victory against the 13th-ranked Hamburg Towers (11-19) crushing them 83-63 in the German BBL in Sunday night’s game. He recorded 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in a mere 15 minutes. ALBA Berlin (28-2) is placed first in the BBL. It was his team’s tenth consecutive victory in a row. This year Lammers averages 6.6ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.1bpg in 18 games he played so far.
Jordan Usher (6’7”-SF-1999, played in 2019-22, plays in Turkey) could not help Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (12-14) in their last game on Monday. Despite Usher’s very good performance Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul was badly defeated104-88 in a derby game by the higher-ranked Efes (#4). He was the top scorer with 24 points. Usher also added 4 rebounds. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. It’s Usher’s first season with the team. Usher has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages 15.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.2apg and 1.2spg.
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, played in 2015-16, currently in Spain) was not able to help Bilbao in their game against Fuenlabrada (4-24) in the Spanish Liga Endesa. He scored 7 points in 32 minutes. Bilbao lost 71-77 on the road to the league outsider (#18) Fuenlabrada. Smith has relatively good stats this year 13.7ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.9apg in 27 games.
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, played in 2016-18, plays pro in the NBA) contributed to a Phoenix Suns’ victory against the Los Angeles Clippers (44-38) 129-124 in the NBA in Thursday night’s game. Okogie scored 6 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. The Phoenix Suns have 45-37 record this season. Okogie has relatively good stats this year 7.2ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.4apg. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Experienced Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, played in 2001-05, plays in Japan) was not able to secure a victory for Shinshu BW (25-28) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the third-placed Shinshu BW (25-28) lost 96-102 in Toyama to the lower-ranked (#7) Grouses in the Central group. McHenry was the top scorer with 26 points. He also added 5 rebounds and dished 5 assists in 36 minutes. It’s McHenry’s sixth season with the team. McHenry has relatively good stats this year 10.6ppg, 7.4rpg, 3.3apg, 1.1bpg and 1.3spg in 48 games.
Joshua Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, played in 2014-17, currently in Belgium) helped his Belgian team Stella Artois Leuven Bears win their game against the tenth-ranked Feyenoord 88-76 in the BNXT League on Friday night. Heath recorded 10 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists. This season he averages 9.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 6.8apg and 1.3spg.
Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995, played in 2017-19, plays pro in Georgia) couldn’t help Batumi (10-10) in their last game. Despite his good performance Batumi lost 84-90 in Tbilisi to the higher-ranked (#3) Kavkasia. Alston recorded 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and made 2 blocks in 38 minutes. He has relatively good stats this year 11.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.0apg and 1.1spg in 15 games.
Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, played in 2017-21, plays in China) helped Zhejiang Golden Bulls win their game against the ninth-ranked Long-Lions crushing them 114-91 in the Chinese CBA last Monday. He recorded 8 points and had 3 steals. Wright has relatively good stats this season 12.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg and 1.3spg.
Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, played in 2014-16, currently in Argentina) led Obera to a victory against the 11th-ranked Riachuelo LR 96-85 in the Argentinian La Liga on Sunday night. Mitchell recorded 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 27 minutes. It was his first game for Obera this season.
Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, played in 2012-16, plays pro in Kuwait) helped his Kuwaiti team Kuwait win their game against the closely-ranked Shabab Al Ahli 87-71 in the West Asia Super League in Tuesday night’s game. Georges-Hunt recorded 7 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. This season he has very high stats. Georges-Hunt averages 16.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.6apg and 1.4spg. He is a naturalized Virgin Islander.
Other former Georgia Tech players, who play in pro basketball:
- Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, played in 2017-16) plays for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA
- Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, played in 2006-07) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991, played in 2009-23) played for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA in January
- 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 months ago
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998, played in 2018-20) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, played in 2013-14) plays for Beijing Royal Fighters in Chinese CBA
- 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
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992, played in 2013-13) plays for Yamaguchi in Japanese B3 League
- Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999, played in 2018-22) plays for Ontario Clippers in the NBA G League
- Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991, played in 2009-12) plays for Brillantes in Venezuelan SPB
- 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 |
