All-NBLC9 Second Team Greatest Hits
Every player does everything they can when they are on the basketball court. The following NBL Canada players, however, did a little bit more, which has seen them earn a place on this season's All-NBLC second team.
Some of the very best players who played in the league this season are a part of this small, select group. Each are listed below along with a highlight moment from them of 2019-20:
Guard, London Lightning
23 GP, 17.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG
Gaines's averages are particularly impressive given that he only started ten times for London this season. He has been a key player in the Lightning's offence throughout and has put up some impressive numbers. Three times this season he scored thirty-plus points, on February 26th he did so off the bench, netting 30 on 12 of 18 field shooting in London's 125-121 win over the Windsor Express.
Guard, Moncton Magic
21 GP, 18.0 PPG, 3.4 APG
Of the twenty-one games the Magic's sharpshooter appeared in for the team this year, he only fell short of the double digit mark four times. That is as big an indicator of the part he has played for Moncton in their dominating performance
His best showing for the team came on February 28th, where he hit eleven times from beyond the arc en route to finishing with a grand total of 37 points against the KW Titans.
Guard, Sudbury Five
21 GP, 24.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG
Last season belonged to his team mate, but this time out it was Jaylen Bland's time to shine for the Sudbury Five. He was spectacular all season, especially on offence where he was one of the very best players in the league, and of all his results were three games where he passed forty points.
He was at his best on February 29th against the Island Storm, scoring in double digits in three of four quarters of regulation. When the game had finished in overtime, Bland had secured a season-best of 46 points along with 10 rebounds. A truly exceptional show from the Sudbury guard.
Forward, Sudbury Five
21 GP, 19.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG
It was as impressive first NBLC season as any from J.R. Holder, whose all-around excellence earned him both the Newcomer and Sixth Man of the Year awards.
His last game for Sudbury before the season was called off signalled he had a lot left to do had it not ended early. On March 11th he scored fifteen points in the first half and eighteen in the third quarter. At the final buzzer he had amassed 37 points in a showing that made you want to see a lot more from the new import.
Guard, St. John's Edge
20 GP, 14.8 PPG, 4.9 APG
A player who has firmly entrenched himself in the NBLC, Cadougan continued to play a pivotal role in the continued success of the St. John's Edge.
His team's scoring leader this season, he played a pivotal role in helping the Edge turn around a horrible start to their February 15th visit to the London Lightning, where they were down as much as 17 points in the first half. Cadougan led all starters with 24 points, 12 of which came in the second half, and a season-best four three-pointers as the Edge exceeded expectations and came away with the win, 109-98.
What have been your favourite moments from these players this NBL Canada season? Do you think there's anyone who deserves a higher honour than this? Is there anyone missing from these end-of-season awards? Start the conversation by leaving a comment below.
