Thursday, February 14, 2008

Sanders named January Player of the Month

J. Sander (source: ESPN Taiwan)

Dmedia's American import Jonathan Sanders was named January Player of the Month, winning the honor for the third time in one and a half seasons.

Sanders averaged for 20.1 points, 17.4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.67 blocks and 2.67 steals in January, during which dmedia Numen solidify its position in the top four.

Dmedia head coach Wu Jian-kuo praised Sanders for his work ethic, saying that Sanders always arrived one hour before team practices to work on his game and that rubbed off on his young teammates.

Wu also hoped that the SBL will change its import rule, which only allows non-playoff teams to hire imports. If dmedia makes the four-team playoff this season, Sanders will have to find a new team to play next year.

The rule is strange, indeed, but Sanders has been familiar with it. The American all-around player helped Videoland Hunters, which is now known as Taiwan Mobile, to a runner-up finish in the regular season last year and was forced to leave the team later.

Voting results (points):
J. Sanders (dmedia) 61
Chien Jia-hong (PY) 32
Ouyang Jin-hen (dmedia) 16
Chen Hsin-an (Yulon) 10

2007-08 SBL Players of the Month:
January: J. Sanders (dmedia)
December: Chen Hsin-an (Yulon)