Sixers Rychart takes First NBL Weekly Honour

Adelaide 36ers import Dusty Rychart has been named as the winner of the first National Basketball League (NBL) Philips Player of the Week award of the 2005/06 season, after leading his team to a 102-93 win over the Perth Wildcats on Friday night.

Rychart scored 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting as well as adding a game-high 17 rebounds to go with his three assists and one steal.

His efforts helped the 36ers get their 2005/06 campaign off to a successful start as they took the win over the highly touted Wildcats.

The Adelaide star narrowly edged out Chris Anstey (Melbourne Tigers) for the weekly honours after the former NBA centre amassed 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two blocks in his team’s 102-61 annihilation of last season’s runners-up, the Wollongong Hawks.

Rychart last picked up the Philips Player of the Week honours in Round 16 of the 2004/05 Philips Championship season.

Other players in the running for the Philips Player of the Week award for Round One included Martin Cattalini (Cairns), Brad Newley (Townsville), Daryl Corletto (Melbourne), Gary Boodnikoff (Cairns), Aaron Olsen (New Zealand), Brant Bailey (New Zealand), James Harvey (West Sydney), Jermaine Blackburn (West Sydney), Larry Abney (Townsville) and John Rillie (Townsville).

For winning the Philips Player of the Week award this round, Rychart will receive a Philips Sonicare Sonic Toothbrush.