Some people might say that the trinity of Award Season is the Grammy’s, the Oscar’s and the NBL Awards. OK, no-one says that but the NBL awards are important and give recognition to players who excelled in the competition. I am going to split my awards into two categories – the first is from the official NBL award finalist list which was released this week while next week is going to be my own award winners, finished off with the awarding of the historical Menga Award for the best player in the league.
Coach of the Year – Lindsay Gaze Trophy
Nominees - Rob Beveridge (Perth), Aaron Fearne (Cairns), Andrej Lemanis (New Zealand), Paul Woolpert (Townsville), Joey Wright (Gold Coast)
Who should win, but won’t – Rob Beveridge.
The Perth Wildcats have been outstanding this season and a lot of that kudos should be given to the coach. In my opinion the deepest team in the league it has taken a wise head to keep all that talent in check and make sure they all mesh together.
And the award goes to – Andrej Lemanis.
Not only has his team taken out the minor premiership, Lemanis has this team at his beck and call. He handled the Corey Webster fiasco very well, showing that the team will not stand for poor performance off the court. Much of the Breakers’ success is directly related to Lemanis and his coaching crew.
Everard Bartlett (Adelaide), Anatoly Bose (Sydney), Chris Cedar (Townsville), Greg Hire (Perth), Patty Mills (Melbourne)
Why is he on the ballot again? – Patrick Mills.
9 games, 18.6 points, 5.0 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.1 blocks per game. ER – 14.9
This is a tough one as technically Mills is an Australian and had not played a game before donning the Tigers jersey. But c’mon, someone who has NBA experience should not be counted as a rookie. Taking a step back and looking at the two frontrunners I don’t think Mills would have won anyway.
And the award goes to – Anatoly Bose
24 games, 15.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. ER – 13.8
My pick for ‘the next big thing’, Bose has not disappointed. He has had his ups and downs on the season as nearly all rookies do but his goods vastly outweighed his bads and was the odds on favourite for this award.
CJ Bruton (New Zealand), Aaron Grabau (Cairns), Alex Pledger (NZ), Liam Rush (Melbourne), Jesse Wagstaff (Perth)
Any other year he would have won – Liam Rush
26 games, 8.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. ER – 8.2
The winner of the round 13 Dabster Award, Rush has been a godsend off the Tigers bench. Backing up three positions, he has given the starters a breather while playing hard and not letting the opposition get away, which all bench players should strive for. With all the turmoil surrounding Melbourne he was a shining light.
And the award goes to – Jesse Wagstaff
27 games, 11.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.3 blocks per game. ER – 10.6
Winner of two Dabster Awards in rounds 15 and 20, the mop top was superb this season. In a team which such talented depth Wagstaff may have receded back and let the more refined players take over but he held his own and was looked upon at the end of games to bring home the victory for the Wildcats.
Defensive Player of the Year
Ian Crosswhite (Cairns), Adam Gibson (Gold Coast), Jerai Grant (Sydney), Damian Martin (Perth), Mika Vukona (NZ)
Always a bridesmaid – Mika Vukona
26 games, 9.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per game. ER – 12.3
Looking at him you would wonder why he plays PF and C on any team, let alone a team as good as the Breakers. At about half time when he has nullified the opposition’s best big man, grabbed seven rebounds and held the opposing team to much less than their usual output you know why. He plays with strength and tenacity that should not be seen in a player of his size, but the main reason why he is in this conversation is that he is so damn clever in the way he plays the game. Not the ‘flop and get the umpire’s whistle’ clever but he knows where to go and what to do at any time on the court, especially at the defensive end.
And the award goes to – Damian Martin
19 games, 7.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.4 blocks per game. ER – 13.4
After a slow start to the season with a big injury break Martin came back with a bang. Not only on the offensive end where he was a candidate for a triple double every time he stepped onto the court, but on the other end where he would badger opposing guards until they didn’t want the ball in their hands. That is the sign of an elite defender and this award will look good matched up with last season’s trophy.
Most Improved
Jacob Holmes (Townsville), Daniel Johnson (Adelaide), Alex Pledger (New Zealand), Cameron Tragardh (Melbourne), Jesse Wagstaff (Perth)
Was very unlucky not to win – Jacob Holmes
27 games, 10.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.1 blocks per game. ER – 14.8
From relative obscurity to a top tier player, Holmes was a walking double double machine this season. They way he dominated the glass while using his silky smooth jump-shot was a wonder return to form from the Adelaide/South Dragon player who showed flashes but didn’t make them stick. He would probably have won this if not for his late season fade which saw him be totally removed from games when his team needed him the most.
And the award goes to – Daniel Johnson
26 games, 16.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. ER – 17.0
What a transformation this guy has undergone. From a bench player behind Chris Anstey at Melbourne to a game changer in Adelaide, Johnson is now in the top three best centres and arguably top 5-6 player in the whole league. The way he used his size to grabs rebounds while having a deadly jump-shot (sounds very similar to Holmes) has elevated his game to new heights. His play with Diamon Simpson has been astounding and hopefully the American can come back next season so they can have a full pre-season training camp together to create the best big man tandem in the league.
Well, there you have my take on the ‘official’ finalists of the awards, but tune in next time for my awards as well as the unveiling of the coveted Menga Award.
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