Georgia Tech #ProJackets Basketball Report – Men’s Basketball — Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

On By Littum

THE APARTMENTS – Jose Alvarado has built a successful NBA career based on relentlessness … Is Alvarado’s offense underrated? … more in this week’s #ProJackets report.

ALVARADO HAS CARRIED OUT SUCCESSFUL NBA CAREER ON GRACE

As you listen to 6-foot point guard Jose Alvarado describe his approach to basketball, it’s easy to recognize why he’s one of the NBA’s most relatable players—and exceptionally popular in New Orleans. It’s easy to see why when he’s on the floor, the fourth-year pro is always a tight-knit energy. He is seemingly everywhere on the hardwood at once, much to the chagrin of opposing ball handlers who let their concentration slip for just a split second.

“That’s the only way I’m going to stay here,” Alvarado explained about how relentlessness is mandatory for him to remain employed in the NBA. “But it’s also just who I am. I’m not the type to just play ‘cool’ or think that only my skills will make a difference. I don’t stick out like that (as a player). I think that’s how I got here and that’s how I’ll stay. (I have to) be who I am – gritty, go out there with energy. This is who I am.”

“The thing I respect most about Jose’s game is that he fears no man,” new teammate and Pelicans point guard Dejounte Murray said. “Heart over height for a guy like him. Obviously he wasn’t blessed to be 6-foot-5, 6-7 or whatever, but he has the heart of a lion. I appreciate that Jose approaches the game and how he plays the game. He doesn’t take anything for granted.”

THE MISUNDERSTANDED BRILLIANCE OF JOSE ALVARADO

Ask an NBA fan Jose Alvaradoand chances are the first thing they bring up is his defense.

And with good reason. Generously listed at 6 feet tall, the Puerto Rican guard has made a name for himself in the basketball world over the past half-decade as one of the sport’s preeminent pests. He was named the 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year while playing at Georgia Techand he burst onto the NBA scene in 2022 with a trademark defensive move that has also become his official nickname – Grand Theft Alvarado.

Only TJ McConnell and his inbound passes in the backcourt steal rival Alvarado in the sheer annoyance he inflicts on the opponent.

New Orleans rightly rewarded Alvarado with a new contract before the start of the 2024-2025 season, giving the previously undrafted free agent a two-year, $9 million extension. A measly deal by the NBA’s lofty standards, but life-changing money nonetheless.

But what if I told you that the offensive value Alvarado brings to the Pelicans is seriously underrated, while the upside he brings on defense is probably slightly overhyped?

EuroBasket Pro Yellow Jackets Weekly Update

Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC

Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, played in 2012-16, plays pro in China) was the main contributor to a Sichuan Blue Whales’ victory against the closely-ranked Golden Bulls (2-4) 122-107 in the Chinese CBA in Thursday night’s game. He recorded 34 points (!!!), 8 assists and 3 steals (made all seven of his free throws) in 38 minutes. The Sichuan Blue Whales (1-5) are ranked 17th in the CBA. It was his team’s first win after five straight losses. But this is still an early stage of the season and anything can happen. Georges-Hunt individually has a very good year with high statistics. He is averaging 15.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.3apg and 1.3spg in six games he has played so far. Georges-Hunt is a naturalized Virgin Islander.

Jordan Usher (6’7”-SF-1998, played in 2019-22, plays in France) could not help JL Bourg en Bresse (5-0) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Usher’s good performance, league leaders JL Bourg en Bresse were beaten 91-88 on the road by lower-ranked JDA Dijon (#3). He was the second leading scorer with 12 points. But the season has just started, so anything can happen. This year, Usher is averaging 9.8ppg, 2.8rpg and 1.8apg.

Moses Wright (6’10”-C-1998, played 2017-21, currently in Greece) contributed to an easy win against one of the league’s weakest teams Karditsas (0-3) 77-61 in the Greek GBL on Monday night. Wright scored 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in just 12 minutes. Olympiacos SFP Piraeus (3-0) is placed first in the GBL. So far, his team has won all three games in the regular season. But the season is still in its early stages and anything can happen. Wright has relatively good stats this year 13.0ppg and 5.7rpg in three games.

Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, played in 2014-18, plays pro in Spain) was unable to help MoraBanc Andorra in their match against Valencia (3-1) in the Spanish Liga Endesa. Lammers recorded 9 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. But MoraBanc Andorra got 89-88 on the opponent’s court by the higher ranked Valencia (#4). But the season is still in its early stages and anything can happen. It is Lammer’s first year with the team. This season he is averaging 8.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3bpg.

Khalid Moore (6’7”-F-2000, played in 2018-22, plays in France) managed to help Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball in a victory against the 14th ranked La Rochelle (1-4) who crushed them 94- 57 in the French Betclic ELITE ProA on Saturday. He scored just 4 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 23 minutes. Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball (4-1) is placed third in the Betclic ELITE ProA. But the season is still in its early stages and anything can happen. This year, Moore is averaging 5.4ppg, 6.6rpg and 1.2apg in five games.

Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-C-1994, played in 2014-15, currently in Turkey), who plays in the Turkish TBL (second division) was unable to secure a victory for one of the league’s weakest teams TED Ankara ( 3-4) ) in their last game on Monday. Despite Gueye’s very good performance, TED Ankara was beaten 88-87 at home by the higher ranked Kapakli Spor (#12). He was the top scorer with 15 points. Gueye also added 9 rebounds (made all nine of his free throws!!!). This season Gueye has very high stats. He is averaging 15.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.9apg, 1.4bpg and 1.9spg.

Joshua Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, played 2014-17, plays pro in Belgium) led his Belgian team Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen to a victory against closely-ranked Spirou Charleroi 77-72 in the BNXT League in Sunday’s game. Heath recorded 15 points and added 6 assists in 32 minutes. This year, Heath is averaging 9.4ppg, 1.4rpg and 3.8apg in five games.

Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999, played in 2018-22, plays in Germany) contributed to a SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels’ surprise victory against fourth-ranked Bayern Munich 79-75 in the German BBL last Saturday. Devoe scored 10 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished out 5 assists. Devoe has relatively good stats this season 12.0ppg, 3.0rpg and 3.2apg.

Avi Schafer (6’9”-C-1998, played in 2017-19, currently in Japan) helped SeaHorses Mikawa win their match against third-ranked Osaka Evessa 87-70 in the Japanese B1 League on Saturday night. Schafer scored 7 points in 19 minutes. This year, Schafer is averaging 2.4ppg and 1.9rpg in seven games. He is a naturalized Japanese.

Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, played in 2017-16, plays pro in the NBA) helped the New Orleans Pelicans win their game against the Chicago Bulls 123-111 in the NBA in Wednesday’s game. He only scored 3 points and added 3 assists. It was his first game for the New Orleans Pelicans this season.

Other former Georgia Tech players playing in professional basketball:

Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, played in 2015-16) played for Surne Bilbao Basket in the Spanish Liga Endesa

Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, played in 2016-18) plays for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA

Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, played in 2006-07) played for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA

Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995, played in 2017-19) played for Parnu in Estonian KML

James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998, played in 2018-20) signed for Aris Midea in the Greek GBL

Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991, played in 2009-12) plays for Cocodrilos in Venezuelan SPB

Ja’von Franklin (6’7”-F/C-1998, played in 2023-23) played for Yukatel Merkezefendi Belediyesi Basket Denizli in Turkish BSL

Derrick favors (6’10”-F-1991, played in 2009-23) played for the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G League

Rodney Howard (6’11”-F, played in 2020-23) signed for Craiova in the Romanian Liga Nationala

Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999, played in 2017-19) plays for the Atlanta Aliens in the ABA

Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, played in 2014-16) plays for Dorados de Chihuahua in Mexican LNBP

Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, played in 2013-14) played for Ahly Benghazi in Libyan D1

Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988, played in 2007-10) plays for Toros Del Valle in the Colombian Liga WPlay

Message: The list above includes only some of the alumni currently playing professional basketball. Check out the full list Georgia Tech basketball alumni.