Taipan two in award hope

Two of the Cairns Taipans’ star imports have been nominated for the NBL’s MVP award. Find out which two of the three on the roster have been selected in the list of 20 nominees.

STRONG SEASON: Melo Trimble in action in the Round 16 National Basketball League match between the Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers at the Cairns Convention Centre. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

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Two of the Cairns Taipans’ star imports have been nominated for the NBL’s MVP award.

The NBL will today release a list of 20 nominees, with the Snakes’ American duo Melo Trimble and DJ Newbill to feature.

Before last night’s clash with Illawarra, point-guard Trimble led the league for points per game, with 23, just ahead of Perth star Bryce Cotton.

The first-year Snake is also in the top five for assists per game, averaging just over four every contest.

STRONG SEASON: DJ Newbill in action in the Round 16 National Basketball League match between the Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers at the Cairns Convention Centre. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

Shooting-guard Newbill has brought a little bit of everything to Cairns this season, ­averaging almost 15 points ­and six rebounds every night.

Perth Wildcats’ shooting guard Cotton is favourite to take out the award for a second-straight year, having averaged 22.5 points a game, ranked second in the league.

Coaches and captains vote for the winner but cannot cast a vote for a player from their own side.

The winner will be announced on February 17.

Originally published as Taipan two in award hope