SEVEN-TIME WNBL championship winner Nat Hurst has capped off a remarkable first year with Bendigo Spirit by winning the club’s most valuable player award for 2018-19.
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It’s the second time in as many seasons the 35-year-old has won her club’s MVP award.
She claimed the University of Canberra Capitals’ top honour in 2017-18, just months before signing with the Spirit.
A stellar season for the former Opals guard was highlighted by averages of 11.29 points per game, 3.95 rebounds and 3.14 assists.
But arguably what she provided most for a Spirit roster loaded with players under 25-years of age was the veteran leadership the club was desperately in need of.
Speaking after the Spirit’s double overtime season-ending loss to her former WBL team on Saturday, Hurst spoke fondly of her season in Bendigo and her role as a mentor to the club’s emerging talent, including Cassidy McLean, who won the Spirit coaches’ award, Marena Whittle, Abbey Wehrung and Kara Tessari.
“I am really proud of being part of this group, (coach Simon Pritchard) is not lying when he says this is a great bunch of girls,” she said.
“Everyone has stepped up when they’ve needed to – the young ones have improved this season.
“Abbey, (Marena) Whittle, (Cassidy) McLean, (Kara) Tessari – Maddi Wild come,s out tonight without playing many minutes, Caitlin McLachlan too – everyone has improved this season and everyone was here for the same thing.
“We know we fell a little bit short, but I am super-proud to be a part of this group and I see a great future here for Bendigo basketball.”
Hurst, who went past 250 WNBL games this season and was presented with life membership before last Saturday’s game, won the MVP award ahead of last season’s winner Nadeen Payne (14.05ppg, 4.89 rpg, 1,58apg) and import Becca Tobin (11.35ppg, 9.05rpg, 2.8apg and 30 steals).
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She also won the players’ award as voted by team-mates.
Former Sydney Uni Flames development player McLean won the coaches’ award for a fine debut season with the Spirit.
The 19-year-old averaged 3.05ppg and 1.81 rebounds and had 10 steals.
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SPIRIT AWARD WINNERS
MVP: Nat Hurst
Coaches award: Cassidy McLean
Players’ player: Nat Hurst
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