NBL Players of the Week - Week 22 (29 February/1 March 2020)

Week 22 saw the NBL enter its final month of the season, as players continue to leave everything out on the floor for the final stretch. Here's who stood out the most at the weekend.

Division Three Men

Jason Tucker - Northamptonshire Titans

Division Three leaders Titans thumped Upper County Wolves 163-41 on Sunday to continue their comfortable ascent to the regular season title.

Tucker was at the forefront of his side's display, hitting 39 points as Titans ran riot.

Coach Powell: "JT is a player that has a great work ethic, attitude and a desire which naturally elevates everyone around him; a player who sets the standards that others aspire to be".

Tucker: "Thank you for selecting me for this week's player of the week. I appreciate the award but I'd really like to thank my great team mates, coaching staff and the entire Titans family! A lot of hard work goes into our team's performances and it wouldn't be possible without everyone investing and believing in each other; something Coach has reinforced all year!!

"Can’t wait for the Playoffs!"

Division Two Women

Katie Januszewska - Derby Trailblazers

At just 15 year's old (yes, 15!) Januszewska stepped up to the plate with 21 points for Trailzblazers in their 79-56 win on the road to Myerscough.

Katie: "It’s a privilege to have been given this award. I would like to thank my coach and teammates for their continued support and encouragement. 

"Playing with D2 has given me such a great opportunity to learn from their experience. The girls are fantastic and everyone played their part in a great team performance to get the win."

Division Two Men

Michael Swain - Essex Rebels

Swain impressed for the Rebels in week 22, as he recorded 25 points, five assists and 30 efficiency in their 114-94 win over Ipswich.

Swain: “It was a great team win all together. I really felt that I could get to the places on the floor where I was most effective. Most importantly, I have full trust is my teammates to knock down big shots and lock in and get big stops down to stretch which makes playing with this group so fun. I’m glad I could do my part in it all and even happier that we secured the south championship for the Rebels!”

Coach Norfolk: “Masa was huge for us Saturday and he’s been a major contributor to the efficiency of the team all season. His continuous hard work is infectious and he fully deserves this award.”

Division One Women

Katrin Hulme - Anglia Ruskin University

Hulme couldn't be stopped as her double-double (24pts,15reb) sent Ruskin on their way to a 68-35 win over Loughborough Riders.

Hulme: "It's great to get another win under our belts. We were missing a few players so it was important that we pulled together and put in a solid team performance. This will hopefully stand us in good stead for a tough game coming up on Sunday." 

Division One Men

Elvisi Dusha - Essex & Herts Leopards

A huge 34pts from Dusha helped the struggling Leopards to earn a vital 97-91 road win at Reading Rockets.

Coach Baker: "This recognition is nothing more than he deserves, Elvisi has improved us over the last few weeks with his quality and experience. In this one he shot the ball extremely well and made some crucial plays down the stretch that helped us. His ability to bring others into play was a key determining factor in our success."

Dusha: "It was a really exciting game, high tempo with a lot of critical possessions down the stretch and overtime" said Albanian international Dusha. "Everyone did their bit and extra, great to see everyone compete and still waiting to achieve our team’s goal"