League MVP: Connor McCool (GSW)

The only things envied more than this guy’s last name are his basketball talent and basketball IQ. Connor McCool has been hogging attention all season with his jaw-dropping playmaking ability. On a team stacked with offensive firepower, McCool has not only become a nice addition, but has actually molded into the flashy facilitator that makes the league’s top team tick, averaging 5.5 assists per game, good enough for second in the league. However, most McCool advocates would argue his true value cannot be fully portrayed simply by numbers he puts up. Rather, the fans enjoy witnessing the manner in which he puts those numbers up. Throughout his rookie campaign, McCool has been the architect of some of the most creative highlight-worthy plays the league has ever seen. He’s not just setting his teammates up, though. He can score himself, as well. The rookie actually led Golden State in scoring throughout the regular season, really coming into his own in the second half of the schedule, averaging 24 points per game and hitting at least 3 threes in each of the last three games. The Warriors averaged a whopping 25-point margin of victory throughout that 3-game stretch.

Rookie of the Year: Connor McCool (GSW)

Because 2018 is the first year McCool has participated in the league, by default, the MVP takes Rookie of the Year honors, as well. McCool is only the second player in BGBL history to take both awards in the same year. The only other to do so was the LA Clippers’ Mike Baird in his sole season back in 2015.

Offensive Player of the Year: Trevor Gilson (MIA)

Following what many would call a 2017 “sophomore slump,” Gilson came out red hot in the 2018 season, more than doubling his scoring average from the year prior. Finally given the opportunity to dominate the ball handling obligations in Miami, Gilson took it upon himself to ensure the ball got in the basket, averaging 21.8 points per game and converting on 13 threes in 5 games. Despite such extraordinary numbers, many would say the most impressive of Gilson’s statistics is his off-the-charts free throw percentage on outdoor double rims. Leading the league in free throw percentage, the clutch guard shot 88% from the line throughout the regular season. To put that into context, that’s over 25 percentage points more than the next guy behind him.

Defensive Player of the Year: Conor O’Rourke (GSW)

If there was one asset the defending champion Warriors were missing entering 2018, it was a dominant presence on the defensive side of the ball. Well, they checked that off real quick with the addition of yet another Con(n)or. The former volleyball player has certainly not let his league-leading wingspan go to waste, breaking numerous defensive records in his rookie season. Nicknamed “Convict”, O’Rourke not only broke the single-season record for blocks per game (3 BPG), but also recorded the most blocks ever in a single game (6 blocks). In debatably the greatest defensive performance in the history of the league, O’Rourke recorded 7 steals and 6 blocks against the Heat on July 8th. Just in case those record-breaking performances weren’t enough for the fans, the lanky big man also recorded the first backwards block in league history.

6th Man of the Year: Nick Chiocca (HOU)

Despite not having a single player returning from his 2017 playoff team, GM Nick Chiocca was not worried about being short of basketball talent in Houston. Being one of the more active managers in the league, Chiocca recruited players from as far out as Orlando to put together a squad he envisioned as a serious competitor. However, with this, Chiocca realized he would have to ‘make the sacrifice’ to come off the bench, making the Sixth Man of the Year Award an easy one this year. Chiocca was the only bench player in the league to average double-digit scoring numbers. He also managed to wipe away any false rumors about him losing his shot, with 70% of his made field goals coming from beyond the arc.

GM of the Year: John Mollica (DEN)

After a tough Finals loss, John Mollica decided to take things into his own hands this year, giving the glorious city of Denver its first ever BGBL franchise. Mollica assembled his expansion franchise Nuggets by first bringing in his good friend Travis Hughes, fresh off a sensational rookie season with San Antonio. The rookie GM then went out and recruited an automatic three-point shooter and the most dominant big man in the league. It didn’t stop there, though. Three Cardinal Newman alumni were also added to the roster, specifically Terry Hudson, Cam Simione, and George Mastics. After signing defensive guard Manny Rios, the squad was complete. Despite being second in the league in scoring, Mollica built this team primarily based on defense, allowing the least amount of points per game in the league. Comprised primarily of rookies, this team’s entire roster has a combined 4 years experience playing in the league, but the Denver Nuggets have quickly emerged as an elite BGBL franchise, winning 7 of their first 8 games together.

Most Improved: Ham Long (OKC)

Stepping into the GM role was a big transition for Ham Long. The three-year Thunder lifer realized stepping into a leadership role off the court meant he may have to take on a bigger role on the court, as well. Long played with serious passion in 2018, nearly doubling his 2017 rebounding numbers, averaging 13 per game. He was also the only player in the league to eclipse the 20-rebound mark in a single game this season.

Man of the Year: Rob Wonytye (GSW)

This is a new award this year, given in recognition of a player’s generous service to the community and the league, but specifically the league. And there’s no player in 2018 that deserves this award more than the league’s beloved commentator, Rob Dub. Usually found cracking jokes on the sidelines with a cigarette and/or beer in hand, this trash-talking degenerate has been an inspiration to many in the local community. He revolutionized the league with the addition of the commentator role. Despite nearly starting a riot in his debut in the role, Rob W has developed into the league’s signature commentator, establishing numerous nicknames for players around the league.

Referee of the Year: Matt Miller

As the only non-player referee, Matt has proven he can get the job done as a lead official. His contributions have helped the league out tremendously this season, coming in as a rookie and immediately being tasked with reffing high-implication playoff games. He doesn’t play favorites with the guy paying him, either. Despite Mike McClure’s resistance, Miller gave the commissioner’s team a technical foul early in the season, quickly establishing his authority on the court.

Statistician of the Year: Alex Pavlov (OKC)

The token statkeeper of the league will not allow anyone else to win this award. Pav continues to enhance his legacy as a BGBL statistician. The three-time champion is humble, though, claiming that the stats would not be so accurate if it weren’t for the help of his long-time friend Josh Robles and commentator Rob W yelling out plays as they happened.

Camera Woman of the Year: Delany McClure

Delany has given to the league and asked for nothing in return. The University of Florida graduate returned to West Palm just in time to document some of the biggest playoff games in league history. Capturing everything from emotional celebrations to inside-the-huddle audio, she will be credited with contributing significantly to the quality of the 2018 highlight reel (whenever that comes out). Probably the most admiral moment of Delany’s 2018 filming campaign came in the final moments of the 76ers-Warriors Game 3. As rain began pouring down, Gardens courts cleared out almost instantaneously, not Delany though. Understanding the importance of the league, she stood through the rainstorm and continued to document the game in its entirety.

Fan of the Year: Noelle Rutzen

Dating the commish himself, this fan has become a consistent presence in the BGBL community. The future PA has not only made more appearances at Gardens courts than any other fan, but she also brings her sister Emily along as much as possible. Noelle has helped to establish a strong female fan base, something the league has been lacking in years prior. The die-hard Sixers fan follows her team religiously, and has been major utilizer of the Instagram live streams when work conflicts with BGBL.