NBA -- Marc Gasol named Defensive Player of the Year
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 25 Apr 2013
CHICAGO -- Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2012-13 season, the NBA announced Wednesday afternoon.
The 7-foot-1, 265-pound Gasol is the first Grizzlies and the only European player to capture the prestigious award. "I'm the first European ever to accomplish this. It's really an honor. Now I think my kids will believe me when I tell them I played in the NBA," Gasol told ESPN.com.
As Memphis' center, Gasol was the strongest link in a team defense that holds opposing teams to a league-low 89.3 points per game while allowing just 43.5 percent from the field.
The 28-year old Gasol, a four-time All-Star, averaged 14.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, four assists and 1.7 blocks a game in 80 regular season outings. He garnered 212 points and 30 first-place votes over second-placer LeBron James, who got 149 points and 18 first-place votes. Oklahoma City Thunder Serge Ibaka was third with 122 points and 14 first-place votes.
As a league sponsor, KIA Motors America will donate a Kia Sorento LX CUV to Gasol's charity of choice. (Homer D. Sayson)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
TODAY: Rolly Fogoum vs Obinna Mathew for WBF Cruise World Title; Toshihiko Era vs Chonlahee for ABF Belt in Highland Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 28 Nov 2024The Final Word: Legendary Rematches of Mexican Boxing Premieres Ahead of Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez II
Thu, 28 Nov 2024Swedish heavyweight Genti Morina Set for Professional Debut in Denmark
Thu, 28 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 286: CHARLY SUAREZ, MARK MAGSAYO, JOHN RIEL CASIMERO, AND CARL JAMMIS MARTIN IN WBO RANKINGS
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 27 Nov 2024Pinoy Fighter Blazen Rocili Remains Unbeaten with Dominant Victory in San Antonio, TX
Wed, 27 Nov 2024Filipino IM Garma trounce foes, stay in hunt for top finish
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 27 Nov 2024Camp Notes: Rafael Espinoza & Robeisy Ramirez Primed for Fight of The Year Sequel December 7 LIVE on ESPN
Wed, 27 Nov 2024Chicharito, Colocha & Manimal Take Center Stage Friday Night on ESPN KO
Wed, 27 Nov 2024Kansas super middleweight prospect 19-year-old Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Capped incredible 12-month boxing stretch
Wed, 27 Nov 2024The Past Week in Action 25 November 2024: Papot KOs Wagner; Guerfi Stops Le Couviour
By Eric Armit, Tue, 26 Nov 2024El Presidente, Grand Maestro, Kamatyas, Flash Arca and Gwapings to grace the 49th IIEE ANC and Golden sports on November 28 to 30 at SMX Pasay City
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 26 Nov 2024DC judokas win 3 golds, 1 silver in Batang Pinoy
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 26 Nov 2024Emirates NBA Cup Updates: Warriors Only Team With Clear Path to KO Round
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 26 Nov 2024Taduran defense in limbo
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 26 Nov 2024Nisa Rodriguez to return to ring Dec. 17th on “Holiday Fight Night 3” at Sony Hall in Times Square
Tue, 26 Nov 2024