Batkovic a hot favourite for award
TOWNSVILLE Fire guard Micaela Cocks believes there’s only one player in the hunt to take home the top honour at tonight’s club presentation dinner.
Suzy Batkovic is the clear favourite to be crowned the Fire’s most valuable player for a fourth- straight year after claiming an unprecedented fifth WNBL MVP award this season.
The Fire skipper has continued to dominate the league, averaging 20.92 points and 10.85 rebounds a game to lead her side into the playoffs.
Cocks also enjoyed a strong sea- son with 8.77 points and 2.69 rebounds, but the New Zealand international said Batkovic was her red- hot tip to win the major award tonight.
“My tip would obviously go to Suzy as MVP of the league. I think my chances ( of backing a winner) would be high,” Cocks said.
“If you’ve seen the game then most people will know she’s a great teammate, she’s dominant in rebounding, scoring, and she can win games.”
While Batkovic is expected to be the star tonight, Cocks remains crucial to the Fire’s plans for next season as one of only two players who have already committed to the club alongside Darcee Garbin. The Fire is expected to make an announcement as early as today on the future of their off- contract stars and Cocks was hopeful they can keep their championship- winning squad together.
“You always want to have a familiar team back so you’re not having to start again,” Cocks said.
“Having that core like we’ve had in the past few years is always helpful.”
Cocks won’t be taking it easy during the off- season, playing for Mackay in the QBL before turning her attention to the World Championship qualifiers in India with the Tall Ferns.
The 30- year- old has tried to give herself some time away from basketball for a mental refresher, but Cocks said she was already looking forward to getting back on the court.
“I didn’t used to do it very well when I was a bit younger, but I really enjoy it now,” Cocks said.
“It’s not so much the physical break, but just mental and not having any basketball on your mind is good sometimes.
“Playing is fun. Last year I didn’t play in the off- season and I think that didn’t help me as much going into my international campaign so I want to make sure I’m still playing and around the game.”