NEWS AND EVENTS

J-Mac is the NBL’s best

There is no question CTI Melbourne United import Jordan McRae will be in the NBL MVP equation come season’s end.

That was again underlined by the scoring guard being named the NBL Player of the Month for December, despite missing a game to return to the United States on family leave.

The former University of Tennessee fan favourite averaged 22.1 ppg during December as he helped Melbourne to memorable back-to-back overtime wins over the Wollongong Hawks and Sydney Kings.

“I really couldn’t point out my best performance this month,” McRae said. “The only games I count are the ones we win. That’s my ultimate goal.

“We’re really focused on finishing better than fourth (on the NBL ladder) before finals and I’m challenging myself to play well each game. I’m going to continue to do that.”

Melbourne (10-8) hosts the Adelaide 36ers this Saturday for the first game of the season at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, and then has the challenge of taking on the New Zealand Breakers and Perth Wildcats in a Round 15 double.

“We’re taking it one game at a time, but we all know next week is going to be tough,” said McRae. “We play New Zealand and then Perth in the same week. That’s going to be a challenge. Perth are really strong defensively and they can force you to make tough shots.”

Dean Vickerman of the New Zealand Breakers was named Coach of the Month.