American-Nigerian Swingman David Nwaba (195-G/F-1993) had an amazing evening in the last round for top-ranked San-en NeoPhoenix, receiving a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 51.
The 31-year old player was the main contributor (24 points, seven rebounds and two assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Gunma CT (#3, 33-18) 83-78. It allowed San-en NP to consolidate first place in the Japanese B1 League. San-en NP have a solid 43-7 record. Nwaba turned to be San-en NP's top player in his first season with the team. Former Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo University star has very solid stats this year. Nwaba is in league's top in points (7th best: 17.6ppg) and averages impressive 57.3% FGP. Worth to mention Nwaba played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

The second best player in last round's games was young American Zylan Cheatham (203-F-1995) of

Nagoya Diamond Dolphins. Cheatham had a very good evening with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Of course he led Dolphins to another comfortable win 87-74 over slightly lower-ranked Koshigaya A. (#6, 16-35) being unquestionably team leader. Nagoya DD's 5th position in East has not changed. His team lost some distance to top teams. But a 28-23 record is not bad and everything may still change. Cheatham is a newcomer at Nagoya DD, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was American forward Kyle Richardson (200-PF-1991) of

Koshigaya Alphas (#6). Richardson showcased his all-around game by recording 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the last round. Despite Richardson's great performance the Alphas lost 74-87 to slightly higher-ranked Nagoya DD (#5, 28-23). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. Richardson has a very solid season. In 21 games in Japan he scored 11.3ppg. He also has 8.0rpg and a FGP of 52.0%. Kyle Richardson has also Japanese passport and can play in the league with a status of domestic player.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Grant Jerrett (208-C-1993) of Tochigi Brex - 26 points and 11 rebounds
5. Angelo Caloiaro (203-F-1989) of Kyoto H. - 20 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Trey McKinney-Jones (198-G-1990) of Gunma CT - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Jake Layman (206-F-1994) of Sea Horses M. - 23 points and 10 rebounds
8. Eric Jacobsen (208-PF-1994) of Ibaraki R. - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
9. Yoeli Childs (203-PF-1998) of Saga B. - 25 points and 7 rebounds
10. DJ Hogg (203-F-1996) of Chiba Jets - 24 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Tags : DAVID NWABA, SAN-EN NEOPHOENIX, JAPANESE BASKETBALL,