2025 Sal’s NBL Awards Winners Unveiled

Josiah Allick of the Southland Sharks has been named the Most Valuable Player for the 2025 Sal's NBL season, following a standout performance where he averaged 18.9 points, 11.1 rebounds (including a league-leading 4.1 offensive rebounds), and 2.9 assists while shooting 58% from the field. His efforts, including 210 total rebounds, were pivotal in securing the Sharks' fourth-place finish and home court advantage for the Elimination round.

The Sal's NBL All-Star Five includes Allick, alongside Wellington Saints guard Nick Marshall (19.9 points, 2.2 assists, 7.4 rebounds), Canterbury Rams playmaker Sean Macdonald (21.5 points, 5.6 assists, 3.6 three-pointers per game at 43% from deep), Taranaki Airs' Carlin Davison (18.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.1 steals), and Nelson Giants' Jeremy Combs (24.4 points per game, league-leading, and 9.2 rebounds over 13 games).

Aaron Young of the Wellington Saints was awarded the Steve McKean Coach of the Year for guiding the team to the league's best regular season record, emphasizing balanced scoring and defense. This marks his second win in three seasons, having previously been honored with the Auckland Tuatara.

Hyrum Harris, a forward for the Wellington Saints, was named Defensive Player of the Year, anchoring the league's top defense with 10.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. His versatility helped the Saints hold opponents to the fewest points per game and a league-low 41% shooting.

Jackson Ball of the Hawke’s Bay Hawks received dual honors as Most Improved Player and Youth Player of the Year after a remarkable season where he averaged 19.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers per game. This represented a massive leap from his 2024 averages of 3.4 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in limited minutes.

In the Rapid League, Hayden Jones of the Nelson Giants was named MVP, averaging 10.8 points and 2.2 assists while contributing to the back-to-back championship team. He was also part of the Rapid League All-Star Five, which includes Kazlo Evans Jr (Wellington Saints, 3.2 assists per game), Tyson Thata-Paese (Manawatū Jets, 14.9 points per game and 2.6 threes), Lachlan Crate (Nelson Giants, 5.8 points, 2.4 rebounds), and Sam Dempster (Nelson Giants, 6.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 94% free throws).