Hefty honor for Georgia Tech’s Jose Alvarado

Georgia Tech point guard Jose Alvarado has been named to the 30-player midseason team for the Naismith Trophy, which recognizes the national player of the year. The Atlanta Tipoff Club made the announcement Thursday.

Alvarado, who ranked first in the ACC and third nationally in steals per game (3.0) after Wednesday’s games, is ranked in the top 10 in the conference in eight different statistical categories. That includes third in scoring (17.6 points per game), fifth in assists (4.3) and third in field-goal percentage (53.1%). The senior from New York, whose team plays at Clemson on Friday, also led the Yellow Jackets to 11 consecutive home ACC wins, a school record. Alvarado is one of three players from the ACC to be recognized, joining Pitt forward Justin Champagnie and Louisville guard Carlik Jones.

The last Tech player to make the midseason list for the Naismith Trophy was Jarrett Jack in 2005.