CBA: Wang Zhelin named regular season domestic MVP
Fujian Sturgeons center Wang Zhelin has been named the 2018-19 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) regular season Domestic MVP for the first time in his career. The 25-year-old averaged 24.6 points and 13.7 rebounds per game to beat Liaoning's Guo Ailun and Guangdong's Yi Jianlian.
In the MVP selection, Wang's total score was 353 points, 24 points more than second-placed Guo. This season, Wang has scored a personal best in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks to help Fujian finish seventh and secure a playoff spot. This is the first time the Sturgeons have made it into the post-season since Wang joined the team in 2012.
"I feel very happy to receive this honor. I want to thank the team, my coaches and the fans for their support this year. Before the season I did not see myself receiving this honor, because I was suspended for five games at the beginning. My only goal then was to get into the playoffs. And I did that.” Wang said during a phone interview with CCTV5.
The playoffs tip-off on Saturday when Fujian take on Jilin in their opening game. As the newly crowned MVP and about to make his playoff debut, the 4-time CBA All-Star hopes this is just the start of something special in his time on the court.
“I think I'll give myself 7 out of 10 for this season because I still have problems in my attacking game. I'll give the team 10 out of 10, because as a team we've had a wonderful season, and we've done our best. After seven years we finally made it to the playoffs, and now I just wish we can go as far as we can," said Wang.
The CBA Awards also included Coach of the Year which went to the boss of regular season winners Guangdong, Du Feng. Third-placed Xinjiang saw their overseas point guard Darius Adams named the International MVP, beating Shanghai's Jimmer Fredette who won in 2017. Adams' teammate Abdusalam Abdurixit was given the Most Improved Player award. Young Rising Star of the Year went to Jiang Yuxing of Jilin, and Guangdong's Yi Jianlian was named Defensive Player of the Year.
