ROBINSON IS REPEAT PoY

Justin Robinson has been named as the BBL Player of the Year for the second season in a row.

The London Lions guard led the London Lions to a first-ever British Basketball League title – and the BBL Cup – with an instrumental role on and off the floor.

“It’s a huge honour for the journalists and everyone involved in the media to vote me as the MVP,” Robinson, who saw off Manchester Giants’ Willie Clayton and Plymouth Raiders’ Donte Nicholas for the award, said.

“The award ultimately comes down to team success and with team success, the individual accolades come with it, so it’s an honour and I appreciate the media that cover British basketball for voting.”

In the annual end of season awards organised by the Basketball Journalists Association, his boss at the Copper Box – Vince Macaulay was crowned Coach of the Year.

“I am delighted and humbled in equal measure,” said Macaulay.

“I love this game and want us in the UK to shake the shackles off and push the boundaries, so to be recognised in this way is thanks to my team, my assistant coaches and my family’s support.”

And in a Lions hat-trick, Robinson’s rookie backcourt partner Jordan Spencer received the Pete Jacques Award for Best British Player, awarded to a contributor who has made an unexpected impact on the BBL.

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Sevenoaks Suns guard Catherine Carr has won the inaugural WBBL Player of the Year  after leading her side to a title-winning 22-0 record. The American averaged 14.7 points and 5.8 assists a game.

“It is an honour to be named the Women’s Player of the Year,” Carr said of her award.

“Basketball in England has been a part of my life for over five years so to be recognised is much appreciated.

“I owe a lot of credit to my team-mates and coaches over the years, who push me out of my comfort zones and challenge me to be a better player.”

Nottingham Wildcats’ Jasmine Joyner finished second in the voting with Leicester Riders sharpshooter, Holly Winterburn, third.

The Syd Lipski International Award for top British performer on the global stage went to Wurzburg’s Gabe Olaseni.

The Great Britain forward led the German side to the FIBA Europe Cup final, but fell just short against Italian side Dinamo Sassari, who were pushed by the Leicester Riders earlier in the group phase.

LSU forward Kavell Bigby-Williams came second after narrowly missing out on a second NCAA Final Four appearance and Ovie Soko of Spanish ACB side, UCAM Murcia was third.