The Zielona Gora forward Rolands Freimanis has been named the 2020-21 VTB United League Sixth Man of the Year.
In the regular season Rolands Freimanis spent 21 games (15 of them of the bench), and was averaging 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 19.2 efficiency points. Freimanis proved himself one of the key Zielona Gora players, they finished the season at 6th place and made play-offs for the first time in franchise history in the League.
Rolands Freimanis became the most efficient player of the season and second best scorer.
The Sixth Man of the Year award (players must have started more than 50% of games on the bench) was first given to Khimki forward James Augustine in the 2014-15 season. Since then, other winners have included Khimki guard Petteri Koponen in 2015-16, Enisey big man Suleiman Braimoh in 2016-17, UNICS guard Jamar Smith in 2017-18 and Lokomotiv-Kuban forward Dorell Wright in 2018-19.
I want to thank the VTB United League for this award. It is a very important award for me, for my family, for the club and for the fans of our team. This award just confirms the fact that Zielona Gora had a good season and we all did a great job, – said Rolands Freimanis. – I want to thank my wife, she always supports me. Without her I wouldn’t have achieved anything. She helps me to get better every day and that’s the reason why I had such a good regular season this past season that I was able to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. And, of course, huge thanks to my teammates and the entire coaching staff for letting me play the kind of basketball I feel most comfortable playing. The list of candidates for Best Sixth Player looked very solid, with many of the basketball players having a terrific season. That makes it all the more pleasing that the VTB League singled me out. I’m very grateful for the award, thank you!
