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Here we are, with the most prestigous and sought after individual award in the ABBL (MVP? pfft). I'll do this slowly, and release the players one at a time from 5th over the next few days (and I can say that the award has gone down to the wire). I've added votes from round 1 and 2, which I'll release, along with the round 22 votes, once the winner is announced!

So, first off:

5th - Nhan Bui (Canberra Crushers)
Total Votes: 9
Season Stats: 7.4 pts, 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists in 26.5 mpg. Average rating: 10
10th among U21s in points per game
4th among U21s in assists per game

Best performance: Bui lead the Crushers to a win over the Jets, with a 22 points 6 rebound performance.

It hasn't been the best season for the Canberra Crushers, but the young player from Vietnam has been a bright light. Bui was frequently asked to run the teams offense at PG, and while he was inconsistent, he topped 20 points twice, and often piled up decent assist numbers. Bui looks to be a solid defender and passer, but Canberra will be hoping that he can improve his shot selection, and along with the hoard of Nguyens, lead the Crushers back to being an ABBL playoff team in future seasons.

4th - Birol Yalduz (Lewisham Wombats)
Total votes: 10
Season stats: 9 pts, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, in 23.7 mpg. Average rating: 9.5
6th among U21s in points per game
8th among U21s in rebounds per game

Best performance: Yalduz just saw the Wombats home, with a 30 point 9 rebound performance in a 3 point win against the Meateors.

Yalduz got limited opportunities to shine for the Wombats this season, rarely playing big minutes, and when he did, it was often at PG or SG, rather than his preferred position of SF/PF. However, when he did get big minutes, Yalduz stood out, with two 30+ points performances, a double double, and 2 MVP of the round awards, to go along with his 3 rising star of the round awards. If Yalduz can find consistency on the defensive end, he has the potential to be a very handy player for the Wombats in future seasons.

3rd - Josh Dowd (Pancakes)
Total votes: 11
Season stats: 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists. Average rating: 10
7th among U21s in points per game
7th among U21s in rebounds per game
1st among U21s in assists per game
2nd among U21s in steals per game

Best performance: Dowd nearly got a triple double, with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists against the Meateors.

Dowd started off the season like a house on fire, reeling off 3 20+ points games in his first 5 games of the season. However, Dowd slowed down as the season wore on, topping 20+ points only one more time. Dowds rebounding from the PG position was a highlight, quickly becoming one of the best rebounders at his position, and his defense was solid. If Dowd can add some scoring ability to his game, he promises to be a runaway winner of this award next season.

And now for the winner(s):

1st (tie) - Mikey Bergman (Billy Hoyles Boys)
Total votes: 22
Season stats: 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists. Average rating: 11.5
3rd among U21s in points per game
2nd among U21s in assists per game


Best performance: Bergman piled on 30 points and pulled down 7 rebounds to lead the Boys to victory over the Wombats (bastard)

Bergman had a steady season, as one of the rising stars of newly promoted Billy Hoyles Boys. Bergman was relied upon to share some of the scoring burden, and quickly showed himself as one of the better defenders in the ABBL. Bergman was a major part of the Boys almost making the playoffs, and is a worthy (joint) winner of the rising star. The Boys will be hoping that Bergman can improve his shot selection and scoring ability in future seasons, and if so, Bergman promises to be one of the best players in the ABBL for many seasons to come.


1st (tie) Jackson Goodall (Wombats)
Total votes: 22
Season stats: 14.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3 assists. Average rating: 10.5
Lead U21s in points per game
5th among U21s in assists per game
10th among U21s in rebounds per game

Best performance: Goodall dominated the Jets, with a 39 points 9 rebound performance.

Often forced into a backup role behind the Wombat's "big 3", Goodall excelled when given the opportunity to start. Goodall topped 20 points 7 times, and will press the likes of Grigg and Gafa for a starting spot over the coming season. Goodall will still need to work on his all round game, but if he continues to improve, there is much to be excited about for this young prospect.

Congrats to Goodall and Bergman!

The final vote tally:

22 - Bergman (BHB)
22 - Goodall (WOM)
11 - Dowd (PAN)
10 - Yalduz (WOM)
9 - Bui (CC)
8 - Eguchi (EAG)
7 - Lopp
6 - Esparraguerra (DON)
5 - Martaerello
5 - Warden (LAR)
5 - Zupanic (BLS)
4 - Savakis (WOM)
3 - Nikoskelainen (PHO)
2 - McCraken (AVA)
2 - La (AVA)
2 - Condeixa (AVA)
2 - Dearn
1 - Beasley (LAR)
1 - Campos (EAG)