Sussex baller named player of the year

Luke Nelson, playing for his current club Reading Rockets against Derby Trailblazers. Photo courtesy of John Gonzalez

Sussex basketball player Luke Nelson has been named Under-16 men's player of the year 2011 by England Basketball, after a series of exceptional performances for club and country.

Nelson started the season as point guard for the promotion-winning Division A national side, averaging a team-high 13.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists on a 42.1 per cent shooting average. Nelson played a key role in England's game against Israel to secure promotion, with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

Nelson, son of Worthing Thunder U18 coach Steve Nelson, played his club basketball for Worthing Thunder Juniors last season, before joining Reading Rockets this season.

Full story and video clips on Hoopsfix

Interview with Steve Nelson after victory at the Sussex Sports Awards 2011