Batkovic crowned WNBL MVP

JCU Townsville Fire captain Suzy Batkovic has etched her name into the history books after winning a record-breaking fifth WNBL MVP. Earlier today, the 36-year-old was crowned the 2016/17 MVP after collecting 129 votes – six votes clear of Perth’s Sami Whitcomb (123) and a further eight votes in front of the University of Canberra’s Marianna Tolo (115) – to move past four-time winner, Lauren Jackson, into outright first place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEGc1POlvnU Since returning to the WNBL following an eight-year stint in Europe, Batkovic has proven to be all but unstoppable, winning five of the past six WNBL MVP awards and finishing third in the other. Back-to-back MVPs with Adelaide in 2011/12 and 2012/13 was followed by a third with the Fire in 2013/14. While the star centre finished third behind Abby Bishop in 2014/15 – Fire teammate Cayla Francis finished second – Batkovic has since gone back-to-back again with the Fire in 2015/16 and 2016/17 to claim her place in the pantheon of WNBL greats. “I’m blown away and extremely honoured to win a fifth MVP,” Batkovic said. “I was extremely honoured to sit level on four with Lauren, but to go out and win it a fifth time, is extremely humbling. “I was taken aback when I got the call – I was a little bit speechless.” Earlier in the week, Batkovic became just the seventh player to win selection in six or more WNBL All*Star teams, joining the legendary Rachael Sporn (8), Kristi Harrower (7), Shelley Sandie (7), Michelle Timms (7), Allison Cook (6) and Jackson (6). https://twitter.com/TownsvilleFire/status/839675601359249409 The most dominant inside player in the WNBL, Batkovic averaged 21.3 points and 10.6 rebounds – second in both categories – while also finishing seventh in blocks. While contemplating retirement, the triple Olympic medallist has confirmed she will play on in 2017/18 as she chases a fifth WNBL championship. 2016/17 WNBL MVP Votes 1. Suzy Batkovic (JCU Townsville Fire) – 129 votes 2. Sami Whitcomb (Perth Lynx) – 123 votes 3. Marianna Tolo (UC Capitals) – 115 votes 4. Leilani Mitchell (Sydney Uni Flames) – 107 votes 5. Sara Blicavs (Dandenong) – 73 votes Eq.6 Steph Cumming (Dandenong) – 70 votes Eq.6 Asia Taylor (Sydney Uni Flames) – 70 votes 8. Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe (Bendigo) – 60 votes Eq.9 Maddie Garrick (Melbourne) – 50 votes Eq.9 Carley Mijovic (Perth) – 50 votes