Former Nebraska Basketball Star, Lincoln Native Josiah Allick Claims NBL Most Valuable Player

Josiah Allick, a former Nebraska basketball player, has been named the Most Valuable Player of the New Zealand National Basketball League. The Lincoln, Neb. native earned this honor while playing for the Southland Sharks, becoming the first player in the franchise's history to receive the MVP award. Allick achieved this by averaging 19 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, leading the Sharks to the postseason.

Allick joined the Southland Sharks in February after working as a graduate assistant for the Nebraska Huskers during the 2024-25 season. He had previously played for Nebraska in the 2023-24 season, contributing 7.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament and the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

In the New Zealand league, Allick leads in offensive rebounds and ranks second in defensive rebounds. He also provides a significant offensive contribution, sitting sixth in the league for points scored and free throw percentage. His performance earned him a spot in the NBL's All-Star Five and propelled the fourth-seeded Sharks into the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

Before his time at Nebraska, Allick played college basketball at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, helping the Roos to a 19-win season in 2021-22, and then at New Mexico, starting all 34 games as the Lobos finished 22-12 and reached the NIT. He is a 2024 Big Ten Sportsmanship nominee, won the Sam Foltz 27 Hero Leadership Award, and is the brother of Nebraska volleyball player Rebekah Allick.

Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg praised Allick, expressing gratitude for his role in helping the Huskers reach the NCAA Tournament and his leadership impact on the team culture and younger players. Hoiberg highlighted Allick's willingness to contribute in any role asked of him.

The Southland Sharks continue their playoff run, facing the Canterbury Rams in a semifinal contest. The winner will advance to play either the Wellington Saints or Tauranga Whai for the National Basketball League Championship.