The versatile player of the Indios de San Francisco de Macorís, Juan Miguel Suero, was awarded this Thursday as the “Most Valuable Player” of the 2022 season of the National Basketball League (LNB), in an act held at the Chili’s restaurant in the capital.
Among the 195 journalists who voted in the official LNB awards, 40.0 percent opted for Suero, who was ahead of Juan Guerrero (17.9%), the Lions of Santo Domingo and Richard Bautista (16.0%), of the Titans of the National District.
Suero averaged 19.6 units, 7.4 rebounds and 7.0 assists in 14 games, in addition to shooting for a 53.0 percentage from the field, in a season in which he also had two triple-doubles and became the first Dominican to perform the feat in more once in the league.
For the native of Villa Juana, this is the first time that he has won the highest award. His brother Gerardo achieved it three times (2014, 2018 and 2019), the last two with the Indians.
“Manito” won two awards
Richard Bautista was the only player to win two lines, winning the “Defensive Player of the Year” and the “Most Improved Player”.
He won the defensive award with 50.3 percent, beating Kavell Bigby-Williams (44.1%), of the Indians and Waverly Austin (5.6%), of the Suns of Santo Domingo East.
While the one with the greatest progress, Bautista (47.7%) conquered it over Anyeuri Castillo (27.7%), of the Soles and Bernardo Polanco (24.6%), of the Mariners.
Bautista’s numbers in 2022 were: 18.1 points, 5.0 boards, 7.9 assists and 2.5 steals during 14 commitments.
Jassel, the sensation of the tournament
The “Rookie of the Year” award was won by Jassel Pérez, of the Titans, with 64.6 percent of the preferences. In second place came Luis Féliz (35.4%), from the Puerto Plata Mariners.
Pérez recorded 20.1 scoring, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 14 games.
Two who were “very happy”
Luis Féliz won widely in the distinction of sixth man, getting 63.6 percent of the votes. He was followed by Jeromy Rodríguez (14.4%), from the Cañeros del Este and Yeikson Montero (12.3%), from the Indios.
The shooter contributed 9.1 points, 51.9 percent from the field and 50 percent from triples in 13 games.
Likewise, Yoel Féliz won the “Manager of the Year” award with 46.2 percent, after helping the Titans to a 7-3 record since he took charge of the team. In second place was Richard Ortega (29.7%), from the Indios and in third place was Julio César Javier (18.5%), from the Soles.