The Mount Gambier Pioneers capped off their 2024 NBL1 South conference season with a host of accolades at the league’s awards night.
The event was held in Melbourne on Friday night, with Castec Rural Pioneers head coach Richard Hill named as the league’s Coach of the Year.
Hill spoke to The SE Voice about his achievement, which he said was humbling.
“It’s a nice recognition but it’s really more of a team performance because it’s really a regular season award – with it being voted on by the other coaches and captains it’s nice to be recognised by your peers,” Hill said.
Hill led the Pioneers to a 17-5 record and finished top of the ladder with an undefeated record on the road.
Pioneers president Tom Kosch’s dedication to the club was recognised with him named Executive of the Year award.
The men’s side also had good representation in the NBL1 South All Star Five, with new recruit Akech Aliir and Nick Marshall selected.
Aliir had a phenomenal season for the Pioneers, averaging a double double of 18.50 PPG and 10 RPG.
He was a dominant force all season as he had nine double doubles which led to be him also named a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award.
Marshall finished the night on a high, taking home the MVP award as well as being selected in the All Star Five team.
Marshall had an incredible season where he led the league in scoring with 23.50 PPG while also averaging 8.35 RPG and 3.80 APG.
This summer Marshall will look to continue his form as he suits up for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL.
Marshall spoke to The SE Voice after the awards, and said he was honoured to receive the recognition.
“It’s pretty special, a lot of hard work went into it.
“Obviously the season did not go the way we wanted it to as a team, but individually I thought I had a good year and played pretty well and got better, which is the main thing,” he said.
“I have really been working hard and it’s paying off.”
Heading into the season Marshall thought he had a good shot at winning the award after knocking at the door for the past couple of seasons.
“Without being too cocky I guess yes, I always thought that I have been in the conversation for the last few years to be honest – and I thought I have had good seasons at Mount Gambier, but I have not really been recognised for it over the past couple of years,” he said.
“This season that was one of my goals – to be All Star Five and then also leading the team into the playoffs but we just really did not get it done.”
With the 36ers heading to town in September to play a NBL pre-season game, Marshall is excited to be back and playing in front of the Mount Gambier fans.
“It’s going to be sick, I have always enjoyed playing in Mount Gambier and it’s always cool to be back there and especially with the Sixers – it’s pretty cool to be able to wear those jerseys and play in front of those fans,” Marshall said.
Marshall said he was excited for the upcoming NBL season as he looks to continue to improve at the 36ers.
“I guess continuing on from last season, having a bigger role, playing more minutes and just continuing growing and getting better as a player, but it’s just really trying to get better and keep showing what I can do,” he said.
