King Randle! Sydney’s shock MVP
JEROME Randle has only been a Sydney King for three months but he is already regarded by his peers and the fans as the franchise's best player.
In a testament to Randle's significant impact on the Kings, the diminutive guard collected the Members' Player of the Year and the Most Valuable player awards at the club's presentation night on Wednesday.
The Chicago-born star finished the season as the NBL's leader in points (19.7pp) and assists (5.3pp) in his 19 games for the Kings.
He also created history by becoming the first player since Sydney coach Andrew Gaze in 1989 to lead the league in points and assists.
Additionally, he is the first Kings player to achieve the feat.
Gaze praised Randle for his profound influence on the Kings - on and off the floor.
"Jerome is an unbelievable little package, he is very versatile and he is highly committed," Gaze said.
"But he also impacted us off the floor, in terms of the culture and buying into the discipline and accountability that we needed to have.
"Jerome was also good at accepting criticism. We also put a lot of faith in him and gave him a licence to do his thing, which is always a risk, but he was good enough to deliver.
"I was rapt with Jerome's contribution and I love what he brings to this team."
Kings Managing Director Jeff Van Groningen also lauded Randle's season.
"Jerome is a dynamic and explosive player who made a great contribution to the Kings this season, and his MVP award reflects that," Van Groningen said.
In other awards, proud Sydney product Jason Cadee was the awarded the 'Laurie Watterson' Clubman of the Year for his community work.
Cadee devotes endless hours to helping the next generation and Van Groningen said his efforts are highly valued.
"Jason was a great contributor both on and off the floor this season and we appreciate the efforts he made," he said.
"He always passionately supported our schools program and hospital and charity visits we have the privilege of being involved in."
Veteran forward Tom Garlepp picked up the 'Mike Wrublewski' Most Inspirational Player award for his class in a difficult season.
Garlepp played a reduced role off the bench this year, but Van Groningen says
he handled the demotion with humility and an admirable team-first mentality.
"Tom's efforts this season when taking the court but equally on a weekly basis through his constant support of his teammates and the Kings organisation in a wider sense is fittingly recognised by his award."
Dane Pineau capped off a stellar rookie season with the Kings by taking home the Best Defensive Player award.
SYDNEY KINGS AWARD WINNERS
Members' Player of the Year: Jerome Randle
'Laurie Watterson' Clubman of the Year: Jason Cadee
Best Defensive Player: Dane Pineau
'Mike Wrublewski' Most Inspirational Player: Tom Garlepp
Most Valuable Player: Jerome Randle
