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 impressed our play-callers. Our third participant is veteran coach Jeff Jones, who carried Manchester Mystics to a historic WBBL Cup success and their highest ever finish in the WBBL Championship.

Diana Naydenova-Goryanova (Barking Abbey Crusaders)

What I like about her, is her ability as a leader and how she is Mark Clark’s coach on the floor. Also the way she can influence the game in so many different ways and still has the ability to make the big shot if required. Without a doubt, she has been a big part of the younger players development. I am sure when she decides to stop playing, she will make a tremendous coach.

Tricia Oakes (Caledonia Pride)

A big part of Caladonia’s marked improvement has been Tricia’s defensive ability in the paint. Especially her ability to make players change or alter their shots – aligned with her rebounding which enables the team to start their fast breaks. Offensively, her ability in the post has opened up the perimeter, as well as her inside offensive allowing Pride to get much better shots on the outside.

Kara Bonenberger (Team Northumbria)

Kara is similar to Oakes and has similar attributes applied to her game. She is possibly a little more athletic, and provides Northumbria with a great inside option – both offensively and defensively. What I also like about her, is her competitiveness and her understanding of team basketball. With the injuries Northumbria have had, to finish in the position they have, is a lot to do with what Kara brings to the table for each game.

Daniela Lozzi (Sevenoaks Suns)

I have a lot of time for Dani and what impresses me about her, is her desire and competitiveness. When I watched her at her proper age level at under 18’s, I realised what playing in the WBBL has done for her development. At her own level, she plays with the same desire, but this is accompanied with a great deal of composure and leadership. This is down to her experience with the WBBL team and the valuable court time she has been given.

Isabel Bueriberi (Manchester Mystics)

For many people, this will be a strange choice. But, anytime a player who has been used to playing a great deal the previous season for a team (especially a young player) and then plays less, they can go one of two ways.  I am glad to say, Isa has gone the right way and she has taken everything we have thrown at her. She has made good progress developing her game and as she has at least one more year with us while she finishes her degree. We are also looking forward to her contribution in thePlay-Offs and next season, when her hard work will be reflected in her success on the floor.