Smith-Milner number one in New Zealand NBL for round 12

- June 10, 2024

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Tohi Smith-Milner

Tohi Smith-Milner

International Forward Tohi Smith-Milner (205-F-1995) put on an amazing game in the last round for Wellington Saints, receiving a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 12.
The 28-year old player had a double-double of 28 points and 16 rebounds, while his team beat Airs (#4, 9-4) 96-85. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Saints is placed at 3rd position in New Zealand NBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. Saints will need more victories to improve their 10-4 record. In the team's last game Smith-Milner had a remarkable 80.0% from 2-point range. He just recently signed at Saints, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Former Polk State College star has very solid stats this year. Smith-Milner is in league's top in rebounds (9th best: 9.0rpg) and averages impressive 66.7% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was young American Luther Muhammad (190-G-1999) of Franklin Bulls. Muhammad had a very good evening with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Of course Bulls cruised to a 99-92 relatively comfortable win over the lower-ranked Jets (#10, 1-13). Bulls' 5th position in the standings has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But a 9-4 record is not bad and everything may still change. Muhammad is one of the most experienced players at Bulls and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.8ppg (#2). His other stats are also decent: 4.7rpg and 4.8apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Mustapha Heron (196-G-1997) of Manawatu Jets (#10). Heron got into 30-points club by scoring 35 points in the last round. Despite Heron's great performance the Jets lost 92-99 to the higher-ranked Bulls (#5, 9-4). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Jets can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have rather bad season and 1-13 record places them close to the bottom of the standings. Too bad for Heron he does not play for a better team. But maybe if he did, his season stats would not be that high. Heron has individually a great season in New Zealand. After 14 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 22.4ppg (4th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Isaiah Moore (185-G-2000) of Hawks - 24 points, 4 rebounds and 10 assists
5. Ben Ayre (184-G-1995) of Saints - 35 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
6. James Moors (206-F/C-2000) of Jets - 30 points and 6 rebounds
7. Ben Henshall (195-F/G-2004) of Nuggets - 31 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
8. Kimani Lawrence (202-PF-1998) of Nuggets - 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Josh Roberts (205-F-1999) of Hawks - 21 points and 11 rebounds
10. Samuel Timmins (211-F/C-1997) of Bulls - 22 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.

Tags : TOHI SMITH-MILNER, WELLINGTON SAINTS, NEW ZEALAND BASKETBALL,