Nominee: Adris Deleon.
HAWKS import Adris Deleon and coach Gordie McLeod are among the nominees for the annual NBL awards.
Deleon is one of five finalists chosen for the ‘‘Best Sixth Man’’ for the player with the most impact off the bench.
As the Hawks push to secure a play-off spot with victory over Adelaide on Saturday at WIN Entertainment Centre, Deleon has averaged almost 16 points per game this season.
McLeod is one of five nominees for Coach of the Year honours, overseeing the Hawks recent injury crisis after a flying start to the NBL season.
Big man Auryn MacMillan earned a place in the rookie of the year finalists, having proven his worth in the Wollongong lineup.
Rhys Martin, who was having an impressive season before suffering a season-ending knee injury, is one of the most improved nominees.
NBL AWARDS
Basketball Australia MVP dinner
Coach of the year (Lindsay Gaze trophy)
Gordie McLeod (Wollongong), Chris Anstey (Melbourne), Rob Beveridge (Perth), Shane Heal (Sydney) Andrej Lemanis (New Zealand).
Rookie of the year
Auryn Macmillan (Wollongong), Tom Daly (Adelaide), Cameron Gliddon (Cairns), Clint Steindl (Cairns), Nate Tomlinson (Melbourne)
Best sixth man
Adris Deleon (Wollongong), Dillon Boucher (New Zealand), Will Hudson (New Zealand), Anthony Petrie (Adelaide), Jesse Wagstaff (Perth)
Defensive player of the year
Adam Gibson (Adelaide), Aaron Grabau (Cairns), Cedric Jackson (New Zealand), Damian Martin (Perth), Mika Vukona (New Zealand)
Most improved
Rhys Martin (Wollongong), Todd Blanchfield (Townsville), Chris Goulding (Melbourne), Greg Hire (Perth), Ben Madgen (Sydney).
