By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
BELGRADE, Serbia – After an outstanding season that brought him to the third straight Basketball Champions League Final Four, Marcelinho Huertas was named the competition’s MVP of the Season one month before turning 41 years of age.
“It’s so special”, he commented. “I try to enjoy the journey every day. Maybe that’s the key to longevity, having passion and keep competing and pushing yourself over the limit”, Lenovo Tenerife’s leader added. It feels amazing to still compete, have the chance to play once again in the Final Four”, he commented.
“For me it’s hard to speak, I feel nervous speaking here. Tomorrow hopefully we can take the whole thing, the biggest prize”, the Brazilian playmaker first said. “I just try to play the game the right way, the system helps me a lot. No matter if I score 30 or 0 points, as long as I help my team win”, he also added.
Vassilis Spanoulis was named the Best Coach of the Season after bringing Peristeri to the Final Four after being down 0-3 on the road to it. “It’s a team award. Sometimes losses are more important than wins to create your character. We gave our battle yesterday, we were missing details. But this is basketball”, the Greek icon commented in the Ceremony Awards.
Howard Sant-Ross from UCAM Murcia was named the Best Defensive Player of the Year. “Hell of a season, very proud of my team”, he commented after receiving the award.
2024 Basketball Champions League Star-Lineup:
- Joe Ragland from Peristeri
- Marcelinho Huertas from Lenovo Tenerife
- Kendrick Perry from Unicaja Malaga
- Austin Wiley from Tofas Bursa
- David Kravish from Unicaja Malaga
2024 Basketball Champions League Star-Lineup Second Team:
- Hunter Hale from Promitheas Patras
- Dylan Ennis from UCAM Murcia
- Levi Randolph from Hapoel Jerusalem
- Dylan Osetkowski from Unicaja Malaga
- Vernon Carey Jr from Pinar Karsiyaka
Watch the 2023-24 BCL Awards Ceremony:
PHOTO CREDIT: Basketball Champions League