Our favourite annual series continues we ask WBBL Coaches to identify five players they believe deserve some recognition for their efforts this season.

They may not always be those challenging for awards, but they have certainly impressed our play-callers. We check in with Len Busch who has just been crowned Molten Ed Percival WBBL Coach of the Year.

Christina Gaskin (Barking Abbey Crusaders)

I have been watching Christina play since her junior days with Southend Swifts and during summers with England and GB. It was such a pleasure to see her playing in the WBBL after a college career in the States and two serious injuries. She is a real competitor and a real role model for young British players. Hopefully more British players who have gone to play college ball in the States will follow her example and return to play in the WBBL

 

Ta’Yani Clark (Sevenoaks Suns)

I had to put’ T’ on this list. After coaching against her for years, it has been such a pleasure to have her on my team for a change. I now understand why her previous coaches speak so highly of her. She does so many things that just don’t get the press. She is very patient and positive with our younger players. She also makes big plays in big games: timely steals, big rebounds, important shots, clever passes. When she was sidelined with injury, she was one of the best assistant coaches I’ve had.

 

Alex Smith (Leicester Riders)

When playing Leicester, Alex has to be dealt with as she can hurt you so many ways. She is an outstanding shooter who sets the pace for that club. She always looks like she can play 40 minutes and she plays with a lot of composure.

 

Georgia Jones (Manchester Mystics)

Georgia is possibly the most complete point guard in the league. She runs the pick roll as well as anyone and her shooting ability makes her very hard to defend. She’s been around for a while now and seems to be getting better.

 

Naomi Campbell (Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters)

Naomi is another who I’ve seen come up through the junior ranks. She continues to play despite a full-time career. She’s always been the kind of player that sneaks up on you while you’re concerned with the Sheffield main guns of Naylor and Gandy. She can hit the mid range jumper and grab big rebounds. Her fourth quarter performance against Manchester in the Quarter-Finals shows that she’s still got it.

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