NBL24 MVP finalists revealed

Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding and Parker Jackson-Cartwright have been named as finalists for the NBL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, presented by Hungry Jack’s.

Cotton has enjoyed arguably the best season of his career, averaging 23.1 points and 4.3 assists per game, while leading the Perth Wildcats to a second placed finish. The 31-year-old is looking to win his fourth MVP, with Andrew Gaze the only other player in history to win at least four MVPs.

Goulding has done it all in the NBL, but will be looking to add a first MVP trophy to his sparkling career. The 35-year-old averaged 16.9 points, including a 35-point outburst against the Kings in November, while leading Melbourne United to a top placed finish. 

New Zealand’s pocket-rocket point guard, Jackson-Cartwright, has been a blur all season with opponents struggling to stay in front of him. The Los Angeles native amassed 20.2 points, 5.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game this season for the Breakers. 

The Andrew Gaze MVP Awards Night will take place tonight at CIEL The Venue in Melbourne. It will be streamed live and free on the NBL app and website from 7:30pm AEDT. 

Other finalists are:

Lindsay Gaze Coach of the Year
Dean Vickerman (Melbourne United)
Justin Tatum (Illawarra Hawks)
John Rillie (Perth Wildcats)

Most Improved Player
Jaylin Galloway (Sydney Kings)
Sean Macdonald (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets)

Sixth Man of the Year presented by Marsh
Ian Clark (Melbourne United)
Sean Macdonald (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Will Magnay (Tasmania JackJumpers)

Damian Martin Trophy for the Best Defensive Player
Sam McDaniel (Brisbane Bullets)
Shea Ili (Melbourne United)
Will Magnay (Tasmania JackJumpers)

Next Generation Award presented by Champion
Alexandre Sarr (Perth Wildcats)
Luke Travers (Melbourne United)
Sam Froling (Illawarra Hawks)

The All-NBL First Team, All-NBL Second Team, Executive of the Year, Referee of the Year presented by Europcar, Gametime by Kmart Award and Fans’ MVP presented by Chemist Warehouse will also be announced tonight.

Coaches and captains from all 10 teams, and a panel of experts, voted for the MVP, while the head coach, assistant coach and captain of each team voted for the Coach of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, Next Generation Award and All-NBL Teams. Head coaches, the NBL Head of Referees, and Referee Panel voted for the Referee of the Year.

The Andrew Gaze MVP Awards Night will take place tonight at CIEL The Venue in Melbourne. It will be streamed live and free on the NBL app and website at 7:30pm AEDT.