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RIDERS TRIO HEAD BBL AWARDS LIST

Drew Sullivan has been named as the BBL Player of the Year as Leicester Riders dominated the annual season-ending annual awards.

The Great Britain co-captain overcame his international team-mate and Glasgow Rocks centre Kieron Achara, who finished second with Newcastle Eagles guard Rahmon Fletcher ending up in third for the second straight year in the voting from amid the Basketball Journalists Association.

“I’m extremely happy to have been named the BJA player of the year,” Sullivan said. “It’s a massive honour to be recognised with an award like this. The most important thing is that the writers that voted for me have looked passed numbers, as usually this is what most individuals focus on.

“I’d also like to add that while this is great for me personally, I hope that young British players trying to make a name for themselves understand it’s not always about stats, or shots or how much they play. It’s about playing hard, trying to get the most out of the players around you, but most importantly helping your team be as successful as it possibly can.”

Leicester Riders coach Rob Paternostro wins the Coach of the Year award, as traditionally awarded by the media, after guiding his side to a BBL Trophy and domestic crown with this Sunday’s Playoff Final against the Sheffield Sharks at the O2 Arena in London to look forward to.

“It’s been an incredible season for our club,” Paternostro said. “Our team has competed at a high level from start to finish. Our players have been incredible to work with. They have been hard working, unselfish and they have been big game performers. It’s been an honour to coach such a wonderful group of guys.”

Completing a hat trick of Riders accolades, the Pete Jacques Award for best British player in the BBL has gone to Jamell Anderson, who edged Achara by a single vote. Glasgow forward Will Hall ended up in third place.

“Didn’t expect anything like that,” admitted Anderson. “But I’m nothing without my team, these guys are paramount to anything good that I’ve been able to achieve over the course of the season. Thanks for the award. I’ll continue to work hard and play great basketball with a great team of players and coaching staff.”

The Syd Lipski International Award for top British performer on the global stage goes to Jo Leedham, who was at the forefront of Tango Bourges Basket’s Eurocup Women success.

The Ellesmere Port player registered two double-doubles in Bourges’ finals win over Villeneuve d’Ascq as she helped the French side claim their first European trophy in 15 years.

Miami Heat forward Luol Deng ended up in second with UC Irvine prodigy Luke Nelson finishing third.

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