Omar Said, of A-Z Electronics Athleta, and Kieron Caruana, of Hibernians, were recently named BOV Players of the Year for season 2014/2015.
The women’s honour went to Luxol’s Steffi De Martino who made it a double after being declared best player in the senior championship and the Under-23 league.
De Martino was among the main protagonists for her side as Luxol swept past Athleta in the women’s league play-offs final series to claim the championship title.
Said is known for his no-frills, efficient style of play. He averaged 15.40 points, 4.46 rebounds and 3.18 assists per game in the First Division last season.
Said is a mainstay in Athleta’s ranks and has won all competitions organised by the Malta Basketball Association.
One of the most hard-working players on the court, Said also averaged 36 minutes of play per game with over 1,000 minutes on court.
Young Caruana came through the Hibs ranks and helped the Paola team to the Second Division league title this year.
He averaged 13.44 points and with 309 points was fifth overall top scorer in his category.
Charles Borg, CEO at Bank of Valletta, congratulated the award winners.
“Winning the best player award is not a random feat,” he said.
“It is testimony to the dedication, work ethic and sheer determination to succeed. It is putting in the hard work consistently and pushing forward to improve performance.”
Borg and Malta Basketball Association president Paul Sultana presented the trophies during a fund-raising activity in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, organised by the Malta Basketball Association through Solidarjetà bl-Isports.
A panel of basketball correspondents voted for the winners in each section of the awards in the local game.
The full list of best players includes:
Under-14: Nathan Xuereb (Athleta); Anthea Micallef (Starlites).
Under-16: Paul Attard (Hibs); Sophie Abela (Luxol).
Under-19: Samuel Zammit (Depiro); Christina Curmi (Luxol).
Under-23: David Bugeja (Virtus); Steffi De Martino (Luxol).
Division Two: Kieron Caruana (Hibernians).
Division One (men): Omar Said (Athleta).
Division One (women): Steffi De Martino (Luxol).