As we near the midway stage of what has been an incredible British Basketball League season so far, we sat down with some legends of the League to get their picks for Mid-Season Awards!
We all know the big prizes are handed out at the end of the year, but we sat the legendary trio of Ant Rowe, Drew Lasker and Mike Tuck down and asked them for their choices based on the season so far for Player of the Season, Most Improved Player, Coach of the Season and Moment of the Season. Read on to find their selections!
Anthony Rowe
Player of the Season – Sam Dekker
Sam Dekker was my pre-season prediction for the BBL MVP and he’s not only met but has surpassed my expectations so far. If you could design a star player for your team (and the league) then you would create a guy like Sam Dekker, who is equally as positive off court as he is on court.
He is incredibly talented, extremely versatile, and in my opinion is NBA calibre. The versatility he brings on the offensive end is borderline scary and at this point in the season I’m coming to the realisation that the only thing that can stop Sam Dekker is Sam Dekker.
A special mention needs to be acknowledged for Kosta Koufos, who has transitioned seamlessly into the British game as he continues to dominate both in the UK and Europe.
Most Improved Player – Elvisi Dusha
Dusha has been one of the best surprises of the season so far. I played against Dusha for years and remember him well, which is testament to his longevity in the BBL. I don’t remember too many players improving so much over one offseason.
When you look at his performances last year, averaging five points and five assists per game, to now where he is averaging 14 points and seven assists a game, as well as bringing leadership qualities, the improvement in his production has been astronomical!
He has gone from being one of the best back-up point guards in the league to being one of the best point guards in the league full stop, and he has played a huge role in the Patriot’s strong start so far this year.
Coach of the Season – Ryan Schmidt
I thought it was more money, more problems!?! It’s been quite the contrary for Coach Schmidt who has navigated his team to the top of the BBL and a strong position in EuroCup competition. Pro sports is a results driven industry and Coach Schmidt is hitting his KPIs, but it’s the way in which he has went about it that has most impressed me.
The team chemistry has strengthened each week, the team defence has been ferocious, and I’ve been a fan of the demeanour of the Lions. There’s no entitlement mentality and instead Schmidt is instilling a positive culture that has been refreshing to follow. The ambitions are high, along with developing for the future, and the Lions are practising what they preach; Coach Schmidt has given opportunities to young British players such as Kareem Queeley, Bradley Koboza, Jonathan Komagum, and Zam Weluche-Ume, who have all played meaningful minutes in the campaign.
Moment of the Season – Tajh Green
It would have to be the ‘throw-off-the-backboard’ Dunk by Tajh Green. It’s rare that you see things like that, and it was fun to be able to act like a crazed fan while on commentary!
This of course was just the start of a number of miraculous highlights from Green so far this season! This was the type of ‘Know Our Name’ play that I think we’ll remember and talk about for years to come.
Drew Lasker
Player of the Season – Sam Dekker
Sam Dekker! Let’s not get cute with this selection and you don’t need to dig out analytics for this one. I’ve watched every team play – he is the best player and it’s not even close and at 6’9″ he has been better than advertised!
I can’t think of any player over my 18 years involved in British Basketball with a player of his size with his skill. Sam can score at all three levels and is a mismatch nightmare in this league! He is too quick and skilled to put a post player on him and he can pick a defense apart with his size and vision if you throw a guard at him.
I don’t envision this happening but if we do see a slip-up from London in the second half of the year, Patrick Whelan would be next up for me. No one scored it better in 2022 as Patrick finished with 697 points!
Most Improved Player – Elvisi Dusha
Elvisi Dusha has impressed me this season. Earlier this season, I coined him the best back-up quarterback in the BBL. He has been the best backup point guard for several years. However, this season he has proved he’s much more than that.
After Plymouth’s Star Antonio Williams missed extended time, Elvisi held down the fort by scooping the Molten BBL Player of the Month Award in November. Never averaging double digit points in his entire career, in year nine he’s doubled his previous career high with 14ppg this season. Historically known as a pass-first guard, he’s developed into a dual-threat lead guard!
Jamell Anderson is a close second as he’s seen a surge in his scoring this season. The Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist typically known as a lockdown defender has stretched his scoring average to an all-time high in year 13, while also playing the most minutes for the Phoenix at the tender age of 32!
Coach of the Season – Andreas Kapoulas
Andreas Kapoulas gets the nod here for me … and this isn’t a makeup call for my preseason pick. This is well deserved! Experience and continuity wins in the BBL and Coach Kapoulas has led the Bristol Flyers team to become a contender with only one player over the age of 26!
They play hard, defend and crash the glass. These are traits of a team that are well coached. The future is bright for the Flyers and with a new arena on the horizon, Andreas is beginning to place his name among the best in the British Basketball League!
Running close behind Coach K is London Lions Head Coach Ryan Schmidt. I know what you’re thinking.. How when London has so much talent? I’m here to tell you that coaching a team of high-level talent can be just as difficult as a talentless squad. Cool as a cucumber, Ryan has done a phenomenal job as the first-placed Lions have also picked up four wins in Europe.
Moment of the Season – The Energy of British Hoops
There has been a plethora of moments that we should celebrate in the first few months of the season. Let’s begin with the visibility of our league. Every time I make my daily rounds of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, I see a graphic, video or highlight from our league. We have even gone viral with Tajh Green’s Dunk Live on Sky Sports! “Have you Ever Seen Anything Like It!” Or how about London’s first European win from a British Team in 18 years?!
What trumps them all for me are the CROWDS! They have been consistent all season, but it was really evident over the holidays. It began with the sellout crowd at the Copper Box in their EuroCup matchup on December 21! The momentum continued throughout the league all the way to the New Year’s Day double header. They will ALL KNOW OUR NAME soon!
Mike Tuck
Player of the Season – Sam Dekker
It’s no shock that this is my player of the season so far. Sam Dekker is the best player on the current best team in the league. Sam is 6’9 but hones the skill set that mirrors that of a guard with the ability to move, dribble, shoot and finish from just about anywhere on the floor. Sam’s NBA and international experience has translated well for the London Lions both in the BBL and EuroCup.
Most Improved Player – Zach Jackson
A familiar face to Riders fans, Zach Jackson has consistently upped his game in his tenure especially into his 3rd season with the club. The small forward produced 10.6 ppg in 2021-22 but now jumping up to 15.6 ppg in the current campaign. Leading this star studded roster in scoring
Coach of the Season – Andreas Kapoulas
Proving all the doubters wrong! Coach Kapoulas has really stepped up his game this season. Typically a team that scrapes into the playoffs, the Flyers have found a way to win year.
The Head Coach is boasting a 13-6 record that currently keeps them 2nd in the BBL Championship table. If Kapoulas can keep this up, he will be on route to the Flyers most successful season since they entered the league.
Moment of the Season – Tajh Green
Without a doubt the moment of the season has to be the off the backboard pass from Tajh Green to himself vs the Cheshire Phoenix live on Sky Sports. A defence breakdown lead to Tajh having a “what the hell” moment and he delivered with a monster two hand slam! I was lucky enough to see this in person as I was doing court-side commentary on the game.
