Brad Newley wins NBL Weekly award

Brad Newley, the 2005 Rookie of the Year, of the Townsville Crocodiles has broken through to capture his first-ever National Basketball League (NBL) Philips Player of the Week award, taking the Round Three honours with a pair of strong all-round efforts.

The young superstar led the Crocs to two commanding third round victories with impressive performances against the Adelaide 36ers and the Perth Wildcats. The versatile Newley averaged 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 blocks in week three.

The speedy guard produced a strong performance against the 36ers on Friday, tallying 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a 108-100 home victory.

On Sunday against Perth, Newley was outstanding as he led all scorers with 33 points and added eight assists, four blocks, four rebounds and three steals as the Crocs downed the ‘Cats on the road, 124-108.

Townsville coach Ian Stacker called Newley’s efforts against Perth “the best game he has played” in the Philips Championship.

The Croc guard edged out Adelaide forward Dusty Rychart for the weekly honours after the 36ers import had two strong performances, including making the game-winning basket in the contentious finish to the 36ers 92-90 road win over Cairns.

Other players in the running for the Philips Player of the Week award for Round Three included Newley’s teammate Larry Abney, James Harvey (West Sydney), Glen Saville, (Wollongong), Cortez Groves (Wollongong), Mike Helms (Hunter), Brant Bailey (New Zealand), Ben Knight (Sydney), CJ Bruton (Sydney), Brett Maher (Adelaide), Derek Rucker (Brisbane), Mick Hill (Brisbane), Chris Anstey (Melbourne), Shawn Redhage (Perth) and David Bailey (Perth).

For winning the Player of the Week award this round, Newley will receive a Philips Shoqbox, the new tiny personal sound system designed for people that love to share their music experience with others.