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

ALVARADO HAS CARRIED OUT A SUCCESSFUL NBA CAREER ON COMPASSION

As you listen to 6-foot-2 point guard Jose Alvarado describe his approach to basketball, it’s easy to recognize why he’s one of the NBA’s most recognizable players – and exceptionally popular in New Orleans. It’s easy to see why, when the fourth-year pro is on the floor, he’s always a tightly wound bundle of energy. He’s seemingly everywhere on the hardwood at once, much to the chagrin of opposing ballhandlers who let their concentration lapse for even a split second.

“That’s the only way I’m going to stay here,” Alvarado explained how ruthlessness is mandatory for him to continue working in the NBA. “But it’s also just who I am. I’m not the type of guy who can just play it cool or think that my skills alone will make a difference. That way I don’t stand out (as a player). I guess this is how I got here, and this is how I will stay. (I have to) be who I am – gritty, go out with energy. That’s who I am.”

“The thing I respect most about Jose’s game is that he’s not afraid of anyone,” said new teammate and fellow Pelicans point guard Dejounte Murray. “Here above all for a man like him. Obviously he wasn’t blessed with a height of 6 feet, 6 inches or whatever, but he has the heart of a lion. I appreciate the way Jose approaches the game and how he plays the game. He takes nothing for granted.”

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THE Misunderstood Brilliance of José ALVARADO

Ask any NBA fan Jose Alvaradoand chances are the first thing they’ll turn to is his defense.

And with good reason. Standing a generous 6-foot-1, 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 premier pests. He was named the 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year while at Georgia Tech, and he burst onto the NBA scene in 2022 with a signature defensive move that has also become his official nickname: Grand Theft Alvarado.

Only TJ McConnell and his inbounds pass in the backcourt steal rival Alvarado in the sheer annoyance he causes the opponent.

New Orleans rightfully rewarded Alvarado with a new contract before the 2024-25 season began, giving the former free agent a two-year extension worth $9 million. 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 good he brings on defense is probably a bit overhyped?

The misunderstood brilliance of Jose Alvarado https://t.co/sFOzoUWZNj

— SB Natie NBA (@SBNationNBA) October 18, 2024

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EuroBasket Pro yellow jackets weekly update

Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC

Marcus Georges Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, played in 2012-16, plays professionally in China) was the main contributor to Sichuan Blue Whales’ victory against closely ranked Golden Bulls (2-4) 122-107 in the Chinese CBA in Thursday evening’s match. He recorded 34 points (!!!), 8 assists and 3 steals (making all seven of his free throws) in 38 minutes. Sichuan Blue Whales (1-5) are seeded 17th in the CBA. It was his team’s first win after five consecutive defeats. But this is still early in the season and anything can happen. Georges-Hunt has had a very good year individually with high marks. He is averaging 15.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.3 spg 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 and Bresse (5-0) in their last match on Saturday. Despite Usher’s good performance, leader JL Bourg en Bresse was trailed 91-88 by lower-ranked JDA Dijon (#3) on the road. He was the second best scorer with 12 points. But the season has only just started, so anything can happen. This year, Usher is averaging 9.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.8 apg.

Moses Wright (6’10”-C-1998, played in 2017-21, currently in Greece) contributed to an easy victory against one of the weakest teams in the competition, Karditsas (0-3) 77-61 in the Greek GBL on Monday evening . Wright scored 6 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in just 12 minutes. Olympiacos SFP Piraeus (3-0) is 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: 13.0 ppg and 5.7 rpg in three games.

Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, played in 2014-18, plays professionally in Spain) MoraBanc could not help 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 was given an 89-88 lead on the opponent’s court by higher-seeded Valencia (#4). But the season is still in its early stages and anything can happen. It is Lammers’ first year with the team. This season he is averaging 8.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.3 apg and 1.3 bpg.

Khalid Moore (6’7”-F-2000, played in 2018-22, plays in France) managed to help Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball to a win against 14th-ranked La Rochelle (1-4), crushing them by 94 -57 in the French Betclic ELITE ProA last Saturday. He scored just 4 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 23 minutes. Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball (4-1) finishes third in the Betclic ELITE ProA. But the season is still in its early stages and anything can happen. This year, Moore is averaging 5.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 1.2 apg 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 win for one of the weakest teams in the league TED Ankara (3-4) in their last match on Monday. Despite Gueye’s very good performance, TED Ankara gained an 88-87 lead at home against higher-ranked Kapakli Spor (#12). He was top scorer with 15 points. Gueye also added 9 rebounds (made all nine of his free throws!!!). This season Gueye has very high statistics. He averages 15.9 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.4 bpg and 1.9 spg.

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

Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999, played in 2018-22, plays in Germany) contributed to SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels’ surprising victory against fourth-place Bayern Munich 79-75 in the German BBL last Saturday. Devoe scored 10 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and provided 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-seeded Osaka Evessa 87-70 in the Japanese B1 League on Saturday evening. Schafer scored 7 points in 19 minutes. This year, Schafer is averaging 2.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg in seven games. He is a naturalized Japanese.

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

Other former Georgia Tech players playing in pro basketball:

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

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

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

Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995, played 2017-19) played for Parnu in the 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 2009-12) plays for Cocodrilos in the Venezuelan SPB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notification: The list above includes just a few alumni currently playing in professional basketball. View the complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.