Groves wins NBL Weekly Honour

Wollongong point Guard Cortez Groves has collected the National Basketball League’s (NBL) Philips Player of the Week award for Round 11.

Groves was unstoppable as he led the Hawks in two impressive weekend victories. The star import dominated throughout both his side’s victories, averaging 32.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals in a strong all-round week.

The Hawks disposed of the Adelaide 36ers on Wednesday night with an impressive 17-point win in which Groves terrorised his opposition with 34 points, including five three-pointers.

Wollongong then travelled to Newcastle on Saturday where they recorded a 116-96 win over the in-form Hunter Pirates. Groves collected 30 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal in 35 minutes of court time.

Wollongong’s two Round 11 wins took their strong of consecutive victories to five and moved the Hawks into fifth place on the Philips Championship ladder.

Groves narrowly edged out Townsville’s Larry Abney for Player of the Week honours. Abney recorded an impressive double-double to help break the Crocs eight-game losing streak with 29 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Other players in the running for the Philips Player of the Week award for Round 11 included Mike Helms (Hunter), Geordie Cullen (Hunter), Mathew Campbell (Wollongong), Willie Farley (Adelaide), Chris Burgess (Cairns), Anthony Stewart (Carins), Scott McGregor (West Sydney), Pero Vasiljevic (West Sydney), Aaron Olson (New Zealand), Jason Smith (Sydney), Peter Crawford (Perth), Stephen Black (Brisbane) and Chris Anstey (Melbourne).

For winning the Philips Player of the Week award this round, Groves will receive a Philips Shoqbox, the new tiny personal sound system designed for people that love to share their music experience with others.