Major Named Defensive Player of the Year
April 9, 2007 - NBA G League (G League) News Release
GREENVILLE, S.C., April 9, 2007 - Dakota Wizards forward Renaldo Major has been selected as the NBA Development League Defensive Player of the Year by a vote of the league's head coaches.
Possibly the most well rounded player to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award, Major also leads the Wizards and is in the top 10 in the league in scoring at 18.3 points per game. Basketball experts around the league point to areas of Major's game that not only set him apart, but may also go unnoticed in a box score.
"Renaldo Major has proven that you can have a tremendous impact on the game at the defensive end of the floor," NBA D-League Vice President of Basketball Operations and Player Personnel Chris Alpert said. "Our coaches recognize Renaldo's hard work and ability to take over a game with his defensive prowess. He is the leader of his team, never takes a play off and brings energy and a contagious commitment to the defensive end of the floor every night." Among league leaders in steals per game (1.5 pg), Major also averages 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He has recorded at least three steals in 11 games this season.
"Renaldo is a great player. He has accomplished a lot this season and has grown in many ways. Renaldo is a guy that can play at that next level," Dakota coach Dave Joerger said. "His work ethic is amazing and he goes hard every time he laces up his shoes. That is why he is such a great player."
As the first Dakota Wizard to win a major NBA D-League season award, Major joins Derrick Zimmerman (Austin 2005-06, Columbus 2004-05), Karim Shabazz (Charleston 2003-04), Mikki Moore (Roanoke 2002-03) and Jeff Myers (Greenville 2001-02) as winners of the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Anaheim Arsenal (Calif.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Bakersfield Jam (Calif.), Colorado 14ers (Broomfield), Dakota Wizards (Bismarck, N.D.), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Idaho Stampede (Boise), Los Angeles D-Fenders (Calif.), Sioux Falls Skyforce (S.D.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.). Expansion teams for the 2007-08 season have already been announced in Orem, Utah, the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas and Des Moines, Iowa.
The D-League continues to develop talent from across all disciplines for the NBA's 30 teams and the entire NBA umbrella. In addition to the assignment of 24 players to D-League affiliates, there have also been 20 GATORADE Call-Ups from the D-League to the NBA this season. Additionally, every referee hired by the NBA since 2002 has worked in the D-League, while coaches, athletic trainers and front office executives are also being developed.
Established to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League also offers fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit D-LEAGUE.com.
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