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:
JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
Tue, 06 May 2025Monster Dynamite: Inoue Crushes Cardenas in Eight
Mon, 05 May 2025"THE MONSTER" SURVIVES EARLY SCARE, DESTROYS CARDENAS IN THRILLING WAR TO RETAIN UNDISPUTED CROWN
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 05 May 2025Dana White to Promote Canelo vs. Crawford: UFC Boss Set to Elevate Superfight to Historic Levels
By T. Chin-Te, Mon, 05 May 2025Bata Reyes impressed with upcoming young players during exhibition in Libis
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 05 May 2025