Melzer wins NBL weekly award

New Zealand Breakers star import Rich Melzer has secured his first-ever National Basketball League (NBL) Philips Player of the Week honour after taking out the award for his impressive Round 20 performances.

The 203cm forward has returned to form in recent weeks following a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a badly infected knee. Melzer was a standout for the Breakers over the weekend, averaging 26.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals.

Whilst the Breakers went 0-2 for the week, Melzer’s sizzling form was enough to earn him the nod for weekly honours. He scored a game-high 24 points as the Breakers narrowly went down to the Adelaide 36ers 100-91 on Wednesday night. Melzer also added 15 rebounds, four assists and two steals as the American did his best to try to help the Breakers over the line.

New Zealand then travelled to Brisbane on Saturday night, where Melzer recorded his second Round 20 double-double performance with 28 points and 10 rebounds as the Breakers went down 115-103 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Sydney’s Jason Smith was also in strong contention for the weekly award after he averaged 25.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals in the Kings two Round 20 victories.

Other players in the running for the Philips Player of the Week award for Round 20 included Larry Abney (Townsville), Ben Melmeth (Hunter), Adam Ballinger (Wollongong), Willie Farley (Adelaide), Brett Maher (Adelaide), Chris Anstey (Melbourne), Darnell Mee (Cairns), Chris Burgess (Cairns), David Barlow (Sydney), Clint Reed (West Sydney), Aaron Olson (New Zealand), David Bailey (Perth), Bobby Brannen (Brisbane) and Mark Bradtke (Brisbane).

For winning the Player of the Week award this round, Melzer will receive one of Philips latest products.