Pepper's 36-point game gives him Hoops Agents Player of the Week award

- May 3, 2026

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Elijah Pepper

Elijah Pepper

24-year old American guard Elijah Pepper (193-G-2001) had a great game in the last round for Wellington Saints and receives a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 4.
He had the game-high 36 points adding four rebounds and six assists for Saints in his team's victory, helping them to crush Airs (#6, 3-3) with 22-point margin 111-89. Saints is placed at 4th position in New Zealand league. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost two games earlier this season. Saints will need more victories to improve their 3-2 record. In the team's last game Pepper had a remarkable 64.3% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 8 attempts. He just recently signed at Saints, being already a very valuable addition to the team. University of California - Davis graduate has very impressive stats this year. Pepper is league's best scorer averaging so far 27.4ppg. Pepper is in league's top in assists (8th best: 6.6apg) and averages solid 3.6spg and 66.0% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Kaden Sand (198-G-2001) of Manawatu Jets. He is American guard in his first season at Jets. In the last game Sand recorded an impressive 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Bad luck as Jets was edged by the higher-ranked Nuggets (#3, 4-1) 99-96. Jets is still in a red zone at 10th spot in the standings. 5 lost games are too many comparing to just one victory Jets managed to get this year. Sand is one of the most experienced players at Jets and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Zach Riley (196-G-2003) of league's second-best Auckland Tuatara. Riley showcased his all-around game by recording 28 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the last round. Despite Riley's great performance the Tuatara lost 82-90 to #4 ranked Saints. But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. Tuatara had another "accident". It may be a crucial game and cause dropping from the group of top ranked teams. The record is still good, but 1st lost game is hopefully really an accident. Riley's teammates are also very good. That's why having such high stats is even more impressive. Riley has a very solid season. In 5 games in New Zealand he scored 21.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Caleb Asberry (191-G-2000) of Sharks - 29 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Jamal Poplar (204-F/C-1996) of Jets - 25 points and 10 rebounds
6. Derrin Boyd (190-G-2000) of Bulls - 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Alain Louis (185-G-1998) of Nuggets - 15 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists
8. Jordan Hunt (206-F/C-1997) of Saints - 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Aaron Cook (188-G-1997) of Airs - 18 points, 5 rebounds and 12 assists
10. Carlin Davison (197-SF-2003) of Saints - 14 points, 7 rebounds and 9 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 : ELIJAH PEPPER, WELLINGTON SAINTS, NEW ZEALAND BASKETBALL,