Andy Panko Named CBA's MVP

Published on March 17, 2003 under United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Ohio Valley Greyhounds News Release


Boise, Idaho (March 17, 2003)— The Continental Basketball Association announced today that Dakota Wizards forward Andy Panko has been named the 2002-03 CBA Most Valuable Player. The 6-9, 222 lb. Lebanon Valley (Pa., ‘99) standout led his team to their second National Conference Regular Season Title in as many CBA seasons, behind his 22.8 ppg (2nd in CBA) and 8.4 rpg (6th in CBA).

In 25 of his 45 games (56 percent) Panko, the recipient of three National Conference Player of the Week awards, was the Wizards' top scorer. He tallied a team-high 15 double-doubles (5th in CBA) and shot .529 from the floor (360-680), .877 from the charity stripe (243-277, 5th in CBA), and .434 (62-143, 5th in CBA) from three-point range.

Panko joined Dakota on February 16, 2002. In 15 regular season games last season, he averaged 12.2 ppg and 5.5 rpg, helping lead the Wizards to a CBA Championship in their first season in the league. In four playoff games, Panko posted 17.3 ppg and 5.0 rpg.

Since graduating from Lebanon Valley as the school's all-time leading scorer (2,515 points), the 1999 Division Three National Player of the Year has participated in four pro-summer leagues, with the Los Angeles Lakers (1999, 2000), Chicago Bulls (2001), and Milwaukee Bucks (2002). During the 2000-01 season Panko made a brief appearance with the Atlanta Hawks, appearing in one game.

The MVP award was voted on by CBA Head Coaches. Yakima Sun Kings forward Damien Cantrell was second in the balloting, Rockford Lightning guard Ronnie Fields was third, Lightning guard Albert White ranked fourth, Grand Rapids Hoops forward Jerald Honeycutt was fifth, and Gary Steelheads guard Bryant Notree and Wizards center Oliver Miller tied for sixth. To be eligible players must have played in 24 (1/2 of the 48 game schedule) games and must be in good standing with the CBA. Coaches could not vote for their own players.

This is Dakota's second annual award this season and their sixth in two season. On March 10th swingman Kevin Rice was named 2002-03 Defensive Player of the Year. Last season head coach Dave Joerger earned Coach of the Year honors and guard Miles Simon took home a CBA record, three annual awards (MVP, Newcomer of the Year, and Playoff MVP).

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