From NBL Commissioner, David Magley

In the next few days, results of the National Basketball League of Canada's "Individual Baron Ring Awards" for the 2016-17 season will be announced as voted on by the coaches in our league. Each recipient will once again receive a custom quality award ring from our sponsoring partner of tthe 2017 NBL Canada Playoffs, Baron Rings.

The customary awards to be handed out will be:

- Most Valuable Player
- Canadian of the Year
- Rookie of the Year
- Newcomer of the Year
- 6th Man of the Year
- Defensive Player of the Year

In addition to our player awards we will also be distributing league awards as well.

Those are either chosen by record in the case of the Coach of the Year or by my judgement as Commissioner. This is one of the great perks of my job because it allows me the opportunity to recognize people that I have seen earn the respect of their peers and the appreciation of our great fan base. This year they are as follows:

Coach of the Year
Kyle Julius
London Lightning
Coach Julius is the first coach in league history to earn (3) Coach of the Month Awards. His team amassed the best record in league history at 35-5 and an incredible 19-1 record at home.

Ian Fowler Award
Tyrone Levingston
Cape Breton Highlanders
Tyrone moved to one of the more remote places in the populated part of Canada, from Detroit MI. He knew not a soul and after 2 years of pounding the pavement and knocking on doors, he brought professional basketball to Sydney, Cape Breton NS. He wins the "Ian Fowler Award", because it was that very same 'can do' spirit possessed the late Ian Fowler who was the driving force behind the Miracles, U2 & the Rolling Stones all coming to Moncton NB.

Commissioner's Award
The Kitchener/Waterloo Titans
Special recognition for the "all out" commitment to excellence for a brand new franchise.
Starting late in July to go to market, Jason & Cameron Ball, Leon Martin, Jeff Berg & Brian Foster, put their money & emotional commitment up to bring the region of Kitchener/Waterloo a team. From that time, team president Frank Schneider & general manager Stu Julius worked tirelessly to get a floor, hire staff, build a fan base and create a wonderful on court experience for their hometown.

Commissioner's Award
Danny Patterson
Referee
Recognition for going above and beyond the call of duty on the court in a difficult situation.
Danny put his own well being at risk when he stopped something from escalating into what could have been a much worse situation. He is a hard worker & faithful contributor to our league .

Commissioner's Award
Referee of the Year Award
Rich Stehlik
A well known & well respected referee, Rich has been with the NBL since its inception. This year we used a ranking system for coaches to provide feedback & Rich consistently was rated the highest amongst his peers.

Commissioner's Award
The Tipping Family & The Athlete Institute
James, Jesse, Jena, Jacki & Jameson Tipping
"This remarkable family has given so much to the game of basketball for Canada. They have trained future great players, developed current college & NBA players, promoted the game on a regional, national & international level AND been a diehard supporter of Canada's own professional league the NBL Canada.
Personally, you have treated me like family & I thank you."
David Magley, Commissioner

Commissioner's Award
Vito Frijia
President of the NBL Canada
On behalf of the NBL Canada, this award is in recognition of (2) amazing years of leadership.
Vito, has served this league well & provided direction, support & management as he has helped guide us to a level of success difficult to see when he took over in tumultuous times."
Thank you for all that you have done for this league & for me as a friend"
- David Magley, Commissioner