League MVP: Brandon Colon (GSW)

In his first season as a GM, Brandon becomes the fifth Big Guys League MVP in the five seasons of the league’s existence. Leading the league in points (22.8 PPG), rebounds (13.0 RPG), and blocks (1.8 BPG), the versatile big man has led his Warriors to becoming a valid title contender. Colon was also the only player this season to put up 30+ points in a single game, doing so twice (33 vs. the Heat; 32 vs. the Spurs).

Rookie of the Year: Doniel Jean-Pierre (HOU)

Due to a lack of scouting entering the draft, Doniel stayed put on the draft board until the ninth and final round when he was drafted by the Houston Rockets. Jean-Pierre would become arguably the biggest steal in the history of the league, finishing in the league’s top five in points (16.5 PPG), rebounds (9.3 RPG), and assists (5.0). Not only that, but the rookie has excelled when the pressure is highest, nearly recording a triple-double in Houston’s must-win regular season finale against the Thunder with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Doniel has become the heart and soul of Houston and he has led his team to a first round playoff matchup versus the 76ers against all odds.

Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Starling (BOS)

Playing for the winless Celtics, Starling has not been as fortunate to get as much media coverage through nationally televised games as some of the league’s other emerging stars. However, don’t let that fool you; this young stud’s future is bright, and he portrayed that this year with his ability to hit timely three-pointers when the city of Boston needed them most. Nicknamed “The Chosen One,” Starling proved to be a 3-point machine this year. Despite playing one less game than five other teams in the league, Starling was the only player this season to have multiple games in which he converted on 4+ three-pointers.

Defensive Player of the Year: Travis Hughes (SAS)

Similar to Doniel of the Rockets, Travis hung around in the draft due to the little knowledge around the league about what exactly the young guard could contribute to a team. The Spurs would gladly come to the realization that Travis could make very significant contributions. As a defensive hustle player, Hughes has fit right into the Spurs culture, leading the league in steals (2.8 SPG) and finishing second in the league in blocks (1.6 BPG) to only league MVP Brandon Colon. Hughes had one of the best games of any player this season in the Finals rematch versus the 76ers, recording 4 blocks on the defensive end to go along with 4 three-pointers on the offensive end.

6th Man of the Year: John Molica (PHI)

As the first man off the bench for the undefeated 76ers, Molica has molded well into the Philly system. Despite coming off the bench, Molica is one of the team’s top five scorers. The rookie has provided size, as well as reliable perimeter shooting, for the team currently on the quest for perfection.

GM of the Year: Casey McClure (PHI)

This is the 3-time champion’s second time winning GM of the Year in his five-year career, but first time since 2013. Typically a team that relaxes in the regular season, Philly has taken a different approach in 2017. Hungry after his team’s Finals loss to the Spurs, McClure has put together a team that was able to match the 2016 Spurs’ perfect regular season. McClure has kept Philly’s core strong with himself, Hamadeh, Viton, and Gannon. However, he also brought in some significant outside talent in MVP candidate Michael Cuva, along with 6th Man of the Year John Molica. McClure even went as far as to recruit his former middle school teammate David Leconte along with bringing over former rival KC Henderson from the old school Warriors. All of these moves made by the crafty GM have led to the undefeated record that the city of Philadelphia currently holds.

Most Improved: Adil Hamadeh (PHI)

This is not Hamadeh’s first time winning this award, but it’s not the league’s fault this guy just keeps getting better and better. Averaging over 12 points per game, Adil is putting up the best regular season numbers of his career. The scary thing is, historically, the man steps it up a notch in the playoffs, meaning we may have yet to see the best out of the 3-time champion this season. This year, specifically, Hamadeh seems to have added a deadly three-point shot to his arsenal, quickly developing into one of the league’s best three-point shooters. In one of the more memorable moments this regular season, Hamadeh went 4/4 from downtown in the first 5 minutes of the Finals rematch against the Spurs.

Best Addition to the League: Ricky Donnell (HOU)

The league does not happen unless the players who participate in it are willing to give back. Donnell was volunteering to run the scoreboard almost every game before he was even officially signed by a team. After working out a contract with Houston, the rookie has developed into a team-first player. He has proven to be a big part of the Rockets’ late season Cinderella run, as the team has been playing noticeably better since he came aboard. Nonetheless, this award goes to Ricky for his outstanding service to the league. The rookie’s willingness to help out has greatly facilitated the running of games this year. Whether playing or not, Ricky adds value to the Big Guys League atmosphere and his presence really encompasses what the League is all about.

Clutch Moment of the Year: Trevor Gilson (MIA)

After dropping their first game to Golden State, many analysts were saying Miami’s season would essentially be over if they fell to 0-2 at the hands of the Celtics. In the first overtime game of the year, the Heat would find themselves down 59-57 with less than 10 seconds to go in the extra period. After receiving a pass from teammate Jared Mesches, Gilson would take a gamble and attempt a three-point shot for the win with just 4 seconds to go. The veteran’s first field goal of the night could not have come at a better time, as the three-point conversion would give the Heat their much-needed first victory of the season.

Comeback Player of the Year: Nick Chiocca (HOU)

After his team’s Finals loss in 2014, Chiocca departed for Tallahassee and it was starting to seem as if the Rockets GM was never coming back. Many fans considered Chiocca’s BGBL career over. Surprised to see the FSU intramural star make his return, these same critics thought Chiocca would be washed up from the Tally lifestyle. However, Nick would prove these skeptics wrong, as he would put together a team proven to be built for a late season playoff push. As a player, the former 3-point specialist has also taken on an unfamiliar role on this new Rockets team as more of a hustle playmaker, leading the league in second chance assists. In the elimination game versus the Thunder, Chiocca would convert on the go-ahead alley-oop that would essentially put the Rockets into the playoffs.

Referee of the Year: Casey McClure (PHI)

When the league was young back in 2014, this man was reffing playoff games as a one-man crew, and his referee resume has only gotten better. This season, McClure has officiated nearly every game he has not played in. Other than his willingness to contribute, McClure also does an exceptional job confidently managing each game he officiates. The league is confident with Casey McClure sporting stripes. One of McClure’s biggest calls this year was ejecting Thunder GM Michael Conforti in a must-win game against Houston. Although this call was questioned by some, McClure remained confident after the game in his decision to stop the conflict before it got ugly.

Statkeeper of the Year: Alex Pavlov (SAS)

Pavlov has developed into the iconic statkeeper of BGBL Basketball. Initially taking the job over back in 2013 due to a desire to have a seat during the game, the veteran has really come into his own and now takes a great deal of pride in his ability to track player statistics. The man has a history of accurate statkeeping despite usually being seen consuming a six-pack, among other things. Pavlov has also grown to hate the phrase “get my assist.”

Cameraman of the Year: Lenworth Crawford (GSW)

Lenworth first made his made his debut as a cameraman in a 76ers vs Heat playoff game in 2016. Noted for the exceptional job he did, Lenworth has been asked numerous times afterwards to film games in 2017, and has not disappointed. Known for his in-depth 'inside the huddle' takes, Crawford has learned quickly that player emotion and on-the-court cam are crucial to ensuring good highlight reels.

Timer of the Year: Josh Robles (SAS)

Alongside his best friend, Pav, Robles is starting to develop into the league’s token timer. In addition to bringing enthusiasm to every BGBL game, whether he’s playing or not, Robles makes sure each team is aware of the time situation. In return, Josh simply wants a competitive basketball game played at a high level.

All-BGBL Team
C Brandon Colon (GSW)
PF Doniel Jean-Pierre (HOU)
SF Michael Cuva (PHI)
SG Chris Starling (BOS)
PG Casey McClure (PHI)
BN Rob Burns (GSW)
BN Travis Hughes (SAS)
BN Adil Hamadeh (PHI)