Basketball: Jackson named player of the month

Cedric Jackson. Photo / Phil Walter.

New Zealand Breakers' guard Cedric Jackson has been named the National Basketball League's player of the month for February.

The exciting American import has been pivotal to the Breakers repeating as minor premiers this season, and was a standout for his team during the month.

Jackson averaged 15.5 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals over his team's four games in February.

The 1.91m guard was massive for his team as they went 3-1 for the month, registering wins over playoff contenders Perth and Townsville as well as Wollongong.

Jackson took the award from fellow American point guard, Adris Deleon of the Gold Coast Blaze by just a single vote, polling 36 ballots to Deleon's 35. Mark Worthington of the Gold Coast Blaze came third with 19 votes.

Aaron Fearne of the Cairns Taipans was named coach of the month and the voting was more clear-cut, with Fearne a clear winner on 61 votes.

Gold Coast Blaze head coach Joey Wright polled second on 48 votes while New Zealand Breakers' mentor Andrej Lemanis came third on 33.

Fearne led the Taipans to a 4-1 record in February that kept them in the playoff hunt.

The Snakes scored crucial wins over fellow playoff contenders Perth (twice) and Townsville as well as the Melbourne Tigers.

The NBL's Player and Coach of the Month for January took into account Rounds 18 to 21 of the NBL Championship inclusive.

All NBL Head Coaches and accredited media were eligible to vote for the awards.