Gator Joseph Allen was named the Big V division one men’s Defensive Player of the Year at the 2026 Big V Awards held at the Pullman Melboune in Albert Park.
An import player arriving just prior to the midway point of the Big V division one men’s season, Joseph Allen seamlessly entered the Gators’ line-up and quickly asserted himself as the premier defender of the competition.
Allen averaged 10.9 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 2.1 blocks through the campaign, while also being a potent attacker, averaging 18.2 points and shooting at a 45 per cent clip from three-point territory.
Allen’s impact drove the Gators from an 0-7 start to the season to a 5-6 finish, including a win against eventual champions Chelsea, with Shepparton one quarter away from avoiding relegation before succumbing to defeat across the final 10 minutes of its season.
Shepparton coach Sam Gebauer - who was a finalist for coach of the year - stated back in July that Allen was worthy of the Defensive Player of the Year award.
“I don’t think it’s too bold to say it - he’s the best defender in our division,” Gebauer said.
“...It’s what we lacked a little bit before he came in, we were well-rounded on offence but lacked that tenacity on defence.
“Above all else, he does the one-percenters as well as he possibly can.
“He does the things that aren’t as attractive and aren’t as pretty, but it’s those little things that create momentum for the team and help us win games of basketball.”
The Gators’ organisation will turn its focus to the Country Basketball League now, which begins in late September.
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