NBL MVP Awards for 2016-17 Season Announced

Mansoor Ahmed/Ahmedphotos

Basketball England has revealed the winners of the 2016/17 NBL MVP Awards across Division 1 to 4, which were decided through a combination of team and fan voting.

After receiving the top vote from 5 different Division 1 men’s clubs, Team Northumbria’s Malcolm Smith capped a regular season to remember as the Clarksville, Tennessee native finished with MVP honours. The American has been integral to his side’s fortunes as they picked up the league and Cup title.

“Just want to say how humbled and thankful I am for receiving this award,” Smith told Hoopsfix.

“It really means a lot to see how many people got behind me and showed love not only during this process but throughout the entire season as well. This award is a representation of a lot of hard work and the many sacrifices people have made thats allowed me to be in this position, especially my parents so I’m thankful for that.

“A lot of love for my Coach, Marc (Steutel), who unequivocally deserved Coach of the year and trusted me with this opportunity a couple of months ago that really changed the course of my life.

“And lastly my teammates; their sacrifices for the team mean a lot and the way we were more so like a family than a team meant more than anything. This year was one that exceeded expectations by far and it wouldn’t have been possible without everybody mentioned and more so I’m just thankful.”

Reading big man Chris Hooper came second in the MVP race, unable to secure enough votes from D1M clubs to match Smith’s final total, despite taking the fan vote. Manchester’s Stefan Gill was a narrow third.

Despite taking to the court for this weekend’s Division 2 Men’s Playoff Final, neither Kent nor Thames Valley were able to push a player into the final MVP conversation this season. In the most tightly contested award across the NBL, Team Newcastle’s Richard Austin narrowly edged fellow American Charlton Jones to claim the honours.

After collecting an impressive 308 fan votes, Jones nearly managed to bring the award back to Tees Valley but Austin’s superior favour amongst the clubs swung things his way. After helping his side to a 19-3 record before losing out to eventual league winners Kent on the final day of the regular season, Austin has lifted Team Newcastle throughout the year. He also has a Patrons Cup winner’s medal to add to this season’s MVP award.

“First and foremost I’d like to give glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Austin said.

“Without His guidance I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have done nothing, it’s simply God working through me.

“Next to my teammates, I’ve never played with such a group of unselfish guys and from the first day I set foot in Newcastle they have welcomed me as one of their own. Thanks fellas.

“Next to Coach Hewitt who put me in the position to succeed, gave me an opportunity to lead and showcase my talents for the betterment of the team. I am forever grateful for that. And without his hard work and dedication to winning and teaching the game the correct way, I have become a better player and person this season. His coaching style and execution is second to none.

“Lastly, to my family all the way back in Cleveland. I think about you all every day and your words have driven me to compete, train and lead with unrivalled passion. Watching my grandfather growing up work hard to carry the entire family set the tone for my work ethic. Thank you for showing me the right way to do things. This award is dedicated to you all! Thanks to basketball England and the coaches in NBL Division 2 for choosing me to represent the league as the player of the year. I am truly humbled. Thank you all.”

Although they were beaten to the Division 3 North title by Team Birmingham Elite, University of Chester won’t finish the season empty handed after veteran Phil Brandreth picked up the MVP award. Joining him from the South is Oxford Brookes’ Abdoulaye Sylla who impressed teams throughout the campaign, despite Oxford finishing the season with a 5-13 record.

In the Division 4 North conference, a single vote separated Manchester Giants II pair Daniel Pilkington and Josh Houghton, but ultimately it was the former Liverpool man Daniel Pilkington who scooped the award after the Giants won their division at 17-1. With Northants Tauras claiming the Division 4 Midlands title before booking a place in the Playoff Finals, it’s no surprise the MVP winner comes from their roster. In this case, it was Arnas Maziliauskas.

England Under-18 and Lewisham Thunder guard Josh Edwards has transferred international success onto the domestic stage to help Lewisham to a solid 12-6 record this season and becomes the youngest player to be amongst the award winners, at 17 years old.

Rounding out the winners is Lewis Tucker who managed to help Cardiff City to a 12-4 record in Division 4 South West. Averaging a touch over 27 points, Tucker’s output was integral to the Welsh side’s success.

NBL MVP Awards 2016/17

Division 1 – Malcolm Smith (Team Northumbria)
Division 2 – Richard Austin (Team Newcastle University)
Division 3 North – Phil Brandreth (University of Chester)
Division 3 South – Abdoulaye Sylla (Oxford Brookes University)
Division 4 North – Daniel Pilkington (Manchester Giants II)
Division 4 Midlands – Arnas Maziliauskas (Northants Tauras)
Division 4 South East – Josh Edwards (London Thunder Lewisham)
Division 4 South West – Lewis Tucker (Cardiff City)

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