Tech hold strong appeal for New York point guard Jose Alvarado
This past weekend, Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner entertained the first prospect from the 2017 signing class to come to campus on an official visit, New York point guard Jose Alvarado. Alvarado’s AAU coach gave a report that would likely encourage Pastner and his staff.
“I know he had a great time,” said Andy Borman, executive director of the New York Rens AAU team. “He was extremely impressed with Coach Pastner and the entire staff, the school, the campus, his vision for Georgia Tech basketball and where they’re headed.”
Borman said that Alvarado’s top two schools are Tech and Rutgers, although Seton Hall, St. John’s and Baylor continue to recruit him. Tech is the only school he has made an official visit to, although Borman said that he has spent plenty of time at Rutgers, St. John’s and Seton Hall. Pastner showed strong interest during the evaluation period in July, Borman said, by watching several of his games.
“I just know that he really, really likes the coaching staff,” Borman said. “He’s a city kid, so I think the idea of going to Georgia Tech, which is right in the heart of Atlanta, is extremely appealing to him. And, obviously, being able to play in the ACC is a huge draw.”
Borman described Alvarado, a three-star prospect who was named the player of the year in the New York Catholic League last season, as a “6-foot, hardnosed, tough, competitive point guard that will do anything to win.” Borman said he has coached more than 85 Division I players that have played in power conferences across the country. Alvarado, Borman said, can help Tech win.
“There are kids that win you games and kids that lose you games, and Jose just wins you games,” Borman said. “He just makes plays. He’s as tough and competitive a kid as I’ve ever coached, and I’ve coached some pretty darn good players.”
Borman said that, before deciding, Alvarado will likely want to sit down together with his family and his coach at Christ the King High, Joe Arbitello, who is on vacation. It’s conceivable other schools could enter the picture, but a decision could be coming soon.
“I don’t think he’s one of those kids that is going to play it out,” he said.
Tech cloaches hope to land a few commitments before the early signing period in November. Pastner has six scholarships available.
About the Author
Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.
