Isaac
Years ago
Matt Knight named NBL Most Improved
Sydney Spirit big man Matthew Knight has been named the Most Improved Player for the 2008/09 National Basketball League season after a year when he established himself as one of the NBL's legitimate stars.
Knight won the award after receiving 50 votes in a poll of all NBL head coaches, lead assistants and captains. He took out the honour from Wollongong's Anthony Petrie in second place, who polled 30 votes, and Townsville's Michael Cedar (29).
"I am really proud and excited for Matty for being recognised as the Most Improved Player this season," said Spirit head coach Rob Beveridge. "All of the hard work that he did particularly in the off-season has been rewarded by winning this award. He worked his butt off in the pre-season and even hired himself a personal trainer so he could get himself in the best physical shape for the season.
"Matt would be one of the first at practice every day to work out and last to leave," added Beveridge. "Even on a day off he would come in and work on improving his game. He is very focused at becoming the best player he can and was a pleasure having him in our team for the past couple of seasons. I wish him all the very best in his exciting future ahead."
2009 NBL Most Improved Player - Voting
Matt Knight (Sydney) 50
Anthony Petrie (Wollongong) 30
Michael Cedar (Townsville) 29
Oscar Forman (NZ) 25
Nathan Herbert (South) 15
Tommy Greer (Melbourne) 11
Brad Hill (Adelaide) 9
Ian Crosswhite (Cairns) 6
Luke Whitehead (Gold Coast) 4
Chris Goulding (Perth) 1
