Jeremy Harris Named NBLC Most Valuable Player of the Year

Scoring ironman Jeremy Harris of the Sudbury Five, one of the league's most prolific scorers, has been named NBL Canada Most Valuable Player, league officials announced today.

"What an impressive season. Who knew after he won Newcomer of the Year last year that he was just getting started," said Audley Stephenson, NBL Canada Commissioner. "From the opening tip of this season, he was focused, determined to do everything he could do for his team to be successful."

In 2023, Harris averaged 22.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He led the league in scoring average (22.6) and finished second in total points (634). The 6-foot-7 guard scored a season-high 40 points against the Jamestown Jackals on April 23, and posted an incredible seven double-doubles on the season.

Stephenson continued, "Night in, night out, this young man delivered. He was a nightmare for opposing coaches and players to figure out. When you have a player like that on your team, a guy who is an all-around threat like Jeremy is, he naturally makes everyone around him better."

The Greensboro, N.C., native played at Gulf Coast State before transferring to the University of Buffalo. In 2019-2020, he earned a MAC All-Conference Team nod and was named MVP of the conference tournament with the Bills. He has had professional stints with Atomeromu in the Nemzeti Bajnokság I/A (Hungry) in 2019-20 and Boras Basket in the Basketligan (Sweden) in 2020-21.

"When you coach an MVP, it's so cool to see a guy like that play at that level and just get in the zone. Jeremy is elite – a guy who wins you games, who closes out games, who is there for his team at all times," said Logan Stutz, Sudbury general manager and head coach.

Harris is the only the second member of The Five to win the NBL Canada Most Valuable Player Award, following Braylon Rayson in 2018-19. Previous winners include:

2011-12 | Gabe Freeman, London Lightning

2012-13 | Devin Sweetney, Moncton Miracles

2013-14 | Anthony Anderson, Saint John Mill Rats

2014-15 | Quinnel Brown, Windsor Express

2015-16 | Logan Stutz, Niagara River Lions

2016-17 | Royce White, London Lightning

2017-18 | Carl English, St. John's Edge

2018-19 | Braylon Rayson, Sudbury Five

2019-20 | Billy White, Moncton Magic

2022 | Joel Kindred, KW Titans

All player award winners will receive their own customized championship ring courtesy of long-time NBL Canada partner and playoff sponsor, Baron Championship Rings.