Lokomotiv-Kuban forward Mardy Collins has been named the VTB United League December MVP.
The MVP award is presented by ALROSA, a world leader in the diamond industry and one of Russia’s leading diamond makers. Like a diamond, the MVP has to meet the highest standards in every aspect of the game.
TASS news agency is the official media partner of the MVP award.
Collins beat out CSKA forward Nikita Kurbanov and PARMA guard Codi Miller-McIntyre for the award in December.
He helped Loko to a 3-0 record in December with wins vs. Tsmoki-Minsk, Astana and Zenit. In the showdown with Zenit, Collins poured in a career-high 26 points, helping Lokomotiv take over 2nd place in the League.
The 33-year-old forward averaged 18.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and a 14.3 efficiency rating in December.
– It’s always nice to receive an individual award. It’s a great feeling, – Collins said. – My main goal, though, is helping the team win and I’m focused on having a good season. I want to repeat that I really value winning the MVP of the Month award, especially at my age. It’s a big accomplishment.
As far as memorable games in December, the one with Zenit was really important. At the start, we picked up a big lead, but our opponent played tough and got back into it. Every time we play Zenit they make it tough. I tried to use my size and strength against my opponent. They didn’t double-team me and I took advantage. In the end, I had some nice individual numbers and the team won an important game.
