The Navexa Geelong United Big V program officially wound up for the 2023 season at Thursday night’s GUB Presentation Night.
Congratulations to the following winners.
WOMEN
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
CASIDHE GREEN
A nominee for the Big V Youth League One All-Star team, Casidhe Green led Geelong United in scoring (15.1) and rebounds (7.8) in 2023. She also dished 2.1 assists and grabbed 1.9 steals. “Cas was a player that always had her game on,” coach Jason Bannerman said. “She was not fazed by the extra attention given to her defensively. She always found a way to the basket and often sparked the team with a score from nothing.”
COACHES AWARD
JASMINE KING
The youngest member of the initial squad, 15-year-old Jasmine King left nothing on the floor, whether at training or game day. King averaged 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 steals. One of only two players to feature in all 22 regular-season games, King made 20 starts. “She was always switched on and ready to play and train,” coach Jason Bannerman said. “She worked hard defensively and made the most of every opportunity that came her way. Jaz grew so much as a player this season.”
PLAYERS’ PLAYER
In her final season at Youth League level, captain Vanessa Marsh did all she could to keep Geelong United competitive throughout the 2023 season. Starting in all of her 20 appearances, Marsh averaged 9.3 points, 6.4 points, 3.9 assists and a team-high 4.1 assists. “She set the example on and off the court,” coach Jason Bannerman said. “Ness always had great constructive criticism, supported every one of her teammates, played hard and trained hard, and approached every game with a “can win” attitude.”
MEN
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
The high-flying Marach Marach has capped an impressive return to Geelong United by winning the Navexa Youth League Men’s MVP award. Marach, also selected in the Big V Youth League One end-of-season All-Star team and claimed Defensive Player of the Year honours, averaged 17 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He also made his NBL1 debut during the season and scored with his first shot attempt. “An incredibly hard-working young player that has taken his game to another level,” coach Luke Beard said. That was evidenced by his desire to play on the opposition’s best player, leading to winning the league Defensive Player of the Year. His offensive game continues to grow and add different elements. His in-game dunks are a highlight for everyone, and his mid-range jumper is deadly.”
COACHES AWARD
His numbers for the season may not leap off the page, but no one could question Al Deng when it came to commitment. In his first season, Deng averaged 2.4 points and 3.4 rebounds while providing impressive defensive hustle when on the floor. “Al came to the club not knowing anybody, but his natural leadership and desire to improve helped set the tone early for our culture and what it means to be part of a team,” coach Luke Beard said. “He worked tirelessly at training and was always after feedback on what to improve and work on. “I could not question his energy and effort; he always had a commanding presence and voice and loved disrupting the opposition with his in-your-face ‘D’.”
PLAYERS’ PLAYER
ETHAN NICHOLLS
With injury ending the season of captain Seth Garcia, Ethan Nicholls’ move into the starting five was a seamless transition for coach Luke Beard as the Youth League Men secured a berth in next year’s Victorian Youth Championship qualifier. Nicholls averaged 5.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game. “It was extremely pleasing to see this player recognised by his teammates for the work he does on and off the court,” coach Luke Beard said. “He was a Mr. Fix-it who could get it done at both ends of the court. Multiple players commented at end-of-year reviews that they were made better by competing against him at training. “Ethan epitomises what it means to put the team first and was always genuinely happy for his teammates’ successes.”
