Griffin caps huge season with WNBL MVP nod

Two nights after leading the Capitals to the WNBL title and being awarded the grand final MVP, Griffin polled 119 votes out of a possible 189, and was 20 clear of runner-up Bec Cole, to be announced as the league's MVP.

The MVP is voted on by the coaches and head referee following each game throughout the regular season.

It was also announced on Monday that from the 2019/20 season, the WNBL MVP award will be known as the Suzy Batkovic Medal, in honour of the retiring Australian basketball legend.

"One athlete who has been front and centre of Australian women's basketball for over 20 years is Suzy Batkovic and I am thrilled to announce this honour and due recognition for one of this country's all-time greats," said Sally Phillips, the Head of the WNBL.

American-born forward Griffin joined Canberra after enjoying a successful six-year stint with the Bendigo Spirit where she earned two championships and a pair of finals MVP awards.

But after undergoing hip surgery that brought her 2017/18 season to a premature end, the 31-year-old Griffin, who began representing Australia in 2017, made the decision to continue her basketball career in the nation's capital.

After completing a lengthy period of rehabilitation, Griffin was instrumental in bringing championship glory back to Canberra on Saturday after a nine-year absence.

At the WNBL awards on Monday, Griffin was also named in the All-Star Five team of the year, alongside Cole, Lindsay Allen, Asia Taylor and Nia Coffey.

Griffin averaged 19.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals and one block a game in season 2018/19, and was named to the league's Team of the Week on 11 occasions.

Adelaide Lightning coach Chris Lucas was named Coach of the Year on Monday night, having guided the Lightning to their first grand final in 10 years.

Adelaide's Lauren Nicholson was named the Defensive Player of the Year and Melbourne Boomers guard Jazmin Shelley picked up the Rookie of the Year gong.

Australian Associated Press