Berisford Codd Jr. ©
With most teams having played multiple games to kick off the 2018 NEBL, it’s time to take an early look at the leaders in the clubhouse for NEBL MVP. Having played the most games thus far in the young season, the Tiger Sharks have given us the largest and most impressive sample size to date with convincing victories in all three games!
As the season is still early, inconsistent play has been the only consistency across the league. It’s certain that as teams get more practice and court time together, the play will become more fluid and new stars and contributors will surely emerge.
For now, we must give a big shout out to Tiger Sharks sharp shooter Ashton Edwards (No. 1) and the versatile Jihad Wright (No. 3). If it wasn’t for the spectacular debut of American import Nigel Jones, the Tiger Sharks would be able to boast having the two leading MVP candidates thus far in the young NEBL Season.
Edwards, the two time champion, is a lights out shooter from deep and surprisingly crafty secondary ball handler in the Tiger Sharks high powered attack. That touch has been on full display in the Tiger Sharks early season matches, even with Edwards coming off the bench!
Meanwhile Wright, a Belizean American, has functioned effectively in the Draymond Green Swiss Army Knife role for the Tiger Sharks. His motor around the glass has allowed the Sharks to feast in the passing lanes to the tune of 13.84 steals per game!
Will 2018 be another year of the Sharks?!?!
The top four in the first edition of the 2018 NEBL MVP Watch:
- Ashton Edwards, San Pedro Tiger Sharks Season Stats: 19.33 PPG, 44 3P%, 4.67 3PG, 1.67 SPG
His MVP Case (3 Games): While most MVPs dazzle with a great all-around game, Edwards is the early leader thanks to his deadeye shooting from deep. Having relocated his scoring touch from the 2016 season, Edwards’s timely long range bombs have been energy boosters for the Sharks and momentum killers for all who have tried to slow him down. With the Sharks looking to open the floor for attackers like Jamal Kelly and Raul “Thumpy” Roches, look for Edwards to continue firing away from deep as he has the full confidence of Head Coach Rico Black.
- Nigel Jones, DigiCell Belize City Defenders Season Stats (1 Game): 30 PPG, 13 RPG, 61 FG%, 42.9 3P%
His MVP Case: Jones dazzled in his opening game for the newly minted Belize City Defenders. Combining highlight reel dunks and a deft shooting touch from deep, Jones led the Defenders to a convincing 104-76 victory over the Orange Walk Running Rebels. With his blend of height and athleticism, Jones has the look of a mismatch against every front line in the league. We will be watching to see how he adjusts to the physicality of the NEBL, as many a foreigners have come to find out that the local “pit bulls” fear no height or jumping ability on the court.
- Jihad Wright, San Pedro Tiger Sharks
Season Stats (3 Games): 14 PPG, 11.67 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.67 SPG, 1 BPG
His MVP Case: From the tip of the first game against the Belmopan Bandits, Jihad Wright’s motor and athleticism have been on full display for the fans of the NEBL. Wright played solid in the Tiger Sharks first two games on the road, but really delivered an MVP calibre performance in the home opener against pre-season championship favourites the Smart Belize Hurricanes. Wright tallied 13 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks to lead the Sharks to a 73-58 victory against the Hurricanes, putting the league on notice that the Tiger Sharks are more than just a band of long range bombers!
- Brandon Flowers, Dangriga Dream Ballers Season Stats: 16 PPG, 7 RPG, 56 FG%, 71 3P%
His MVP Case: The return of Brandon Flowers to Dangriga has already been paying huge dividends for the Ballers. He has led the way thus far for the Ballers with his usual solid interior scoring and a newly unleashed three point shot. This shooting touch will be especially important for the Dream Ballers, as Flowers will be able to spread the floor for last season’s MVP runner up big man Tahj Wells. Coming off a rocky season with his next opponent, Verdes Basketball, Flowers will look to further cement his position in the MVP race with another strong performance.
On the Radar: Jamal Kelly (San Pedro Tiger Sharks), Akeem Watters (Smart Belize Hurricanes), Daniel Conorquie (Dangriga Dream Ballers), Farron Louriano (Belmopan Bandits)