POPE
SCOOPS RAMS' AWARDS
14 AUGUST 2001
by Piet Van Hasselt
WestpacTrust Canterbury
Rams' mightily-built American John
"Pope" Whorton travelled home to his
Columbus, Ohio home on Tuesday with a swag of
team awards presented at the season ending
function on Monday night.
The atmosphere at the Christchurch Casino
Restaurant was buzzing with many stories of the
2001 season shared amongst the Rams' players and
partners, team management and executive
committee.
On the night, team leaders across eight
statistical categories were recognised, four
player awards selected by the coaching staff were
presented, and two special milestones were
celebrated.
Whorton's stellar play earned him the team's Most
Valuable Player award after proving to be the
National Basketball League's (NBL) best inside
scorer and most intimidating defensive force.
Whorton also took away half of the statistical
awards, leading the Rams across four categories.
He was the top scorer with 22.7 points per game
and hauled in a massive 12.4 rebounds per game.
Whorton was the most accurate field goal shooter
at a staggering 59.8% and was number one in
blocked shots.
Ever-green forward Craig Farrant was honoured in
a special presentation for clocking up his 200th
NBL game. Farrant's outstanding efforts this
season were honoured with the Sixth Man award for
his play coming off the bench and contribution to
team spirit. He also led the team in three point
shooting precision with a 37.2% success rate.
Captain Dave Langrell was recognised for reaching
his 100th NBL game, all with the Canterbury side.
Langrell first donned the Rams singlet in 1994
and has since represented the team with
distinction and class. He was also the team
leader in free throw percentage (80.6%) and
steals per game (1.8).
Highly talented and athletic Luke Ruscoe was
presented with the Best Defensive Player honours.
In two games this season Ruscoe recorded five
steals and was often called upon to defend the
opposing team's highest scoring player.
The 'human highlight reel', Salasopo Tulua,
received the Most Improved Player award after
some strong performances in the second half of
the season, including 14 points against Auckland.
Dynamite point guard Carlo Varricchio was the
leader in assists with nearly four per game.
Varricchio's intense passion for the game was
typified by regularly playing through a nagging
ankle injury.
The Rams large group of expert volunteers, headed
by John and Leslie Watson, were also recognised
for the large amount of time and effort they
dedicated to the behind-the-scene operations.
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