Ben Fitzsimons
Years ago
Gilchrist wins POTW
ADELAIDE STAR GILCHRIST WINS NBL AWARD
Adelaide 36ers' superstar American import John Gilchrist has been named the National Basketball League’s Player of the Week for Round Six after two standout performances.
Gilchrist averaged an amazing 24.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals for the week as he helped the 36ers to a 1-1 record. He also shot the ball at a scorching 62% from the field for the week.
The 191cm guard started the round on Thursday with 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals as the 36ers narrowly lost to preseason favourites New Zealand in overtime on the road, 99-91.
The former University of Maryland star helped his team bounce back upon their return to the Brett Maher Court on Saturday when they faced the Cairns Taipans. Gilchrist scored 22 points and added 14 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks against Cairns, forcing an extra period with a putback at the end of regulation as Adelaide scored an 87-81 overtime victory.
Townsville Crocodiles star guard Corey 'Homicide’ Williams came close to winning his third Player of the Week award for season 2009/10, being narrowly pipped by Gilchrist. Williams had 29 points, six rebounds and seven assists in his team’s 94-87 win over the Melbourne Tigers.
New Zealand Breakers’ point guard CJ Bruton was also a leading contender for the weekly award. Bruton was instrumental in his team’s OT win over Adelaide, scoring 27 points and adding three rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Bruton also nailed an NBA-distance three that forced the game to an extra period.
Other leading contenders for the NBL Player of the Week in Round Six included James Harvey (Gold Coast), Ayinde Ubaka (Gold Coast), Adam Ballinger (Adelaide), Tom Abercrombie (New Zealand), Tywain McKee (Wollongong), Erron Maxey (Gold Coast), Daryl Corletto (Melbourne), Russell Hinder (Townsville), Rick Rickert (New Zealand), Kevin Lisch (Perth), Dusty Rychart (Cairns), Larry Davidson (Wollongong), Mark Worthington (Melbourne) and Luke Schenscher (Perth).
