Dexter Williams Jr Named NBLC Defensive Player of the Year
Published on May 5, 2023 under National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) News Release
NBLC veteran Dexter Williams Jr. of the Sudbury Five, one of the league's most gritty defenders, has been named NBL Canada Defensive Player of the Year, league officials announced today.
"Dexter brings energy and intensity - and that turns into game-winning plays. It's a work ethic that has been contagious to our guys for four years now," said Logan Stutz, Sudbury general manager and head coach. "He has an incredible devotion to playing superior defense."
In 2023, Williams Jr. stood among the league leaders in defensive rebounds (128), steals (36) and block shots (7). The 6-4 guard balanced defensive excellence with offensive skill by averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
"Dexter plays with his heart on his sleeve and a chip on his shoulder that seem to fuel him, especially on the defensive end," said Audley Stephenson, NBLC Commissioners. "Hard to imagine anyone more deserving of this award this year. Here's a player who embraces the toughest defensive assignment every night - then goes out and proves why every time. He never backs down."
In his fourth NBLC season, Williams Jr. arrived in Canada from Montana Western University where he played two NCAA seasons with the Bulldogs. In 2018-19, the Jacksonville, Fla., native signed with The Five for the franchise's inaugural season.
In each of his four NBLC seasons, Williams Jr., 29, has shouldered more and more responsibility in the Nickel City backcourt. In 2021-22, he enjoyed a career year with 16.3 points per game, while shooting 42.9 per cent from the field and 32.8 from three-point range, with a 70.3 free-throw percentage, 5.8 rebounds per game and 3.8 assists. He was also a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.
Stephenson continued, "Consistent. Relentless. And a joy to watch. After watching Dexter play all season long, this award should surprise to no one."
Williams Jr. is the first member of The Five to win this award. Previous winners of the NBL Canada Defensive Player of the Year Award include:
2011-12 | Al Stewart, London Lightning
2012-13 | Al Stewart, London Lightning
2013-14 | Cavell Johnson, Brampton A's
2014-15 | Kevin Young, Halifax Rainmen
2015-16 | Anthony Stover, Saint John Mill Rats
2016-17 | Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, Orangeville A's
2017-18 | Du'Vaughn Maxwell, Island Storm
2018-19 | Rhamel Brown, Halifax Hurricanes
2019-20 | Marcus Capers, London Lightning
2022 | Tyran Walker, KW Titans
All player award winners will receive their own customized championship plaque courtesy of long-time NBL Canada partner and playoff sponsor, Baron Championship Rings.
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