DUBAI (United Arab Emirates) - DJ Newbill saw his efforts in leading Utsunomiya to the promised land get rewarded after being bestowed as the BCL Asia 2025 Most Valuable Player on Friday night.
The 33-year-old guard was crowned with the coveted award moments after steering the Brex to the championship by ousting Al Riyadi from the throne through a pulsating 94-93 victory at the Coca-Cola Arena.
There, he finished with 21 points mainly behind a 5-of-10 clip from deep, none more important than his last as it erased a 93-91 deficit with 23.6 seconds left to play, thus serving as the eventual game-winner.
Newbill also had 2 rebounds and 5 assists in yet another clutch performance to help Utsunomiya give Japan their second ever championship in the most prestigious club competition in the continent.
He finished the tournament with per-game averages of 24.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists.
In being named MVP, Newbill bannered the BCL Asia 2025 All-Star Five, which also has his teammate Finn Delany, the Al Riyadi tandem of Hayk Gyokchyan and Thon Maker, and Ulaanbaatar Xac star Ian Miller.
Delany himself was crucial in the Final, delivering 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. He finished the tilt with norms of 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in the five games they played.
Gyokchyan, on the other hand, averaged 14 points and 9.6 rebounds while Maker posted 16.4 points and 7.6 rebounds as the two played crucial roles in bringing the Yellow Castle back to the Final.
Miller, ultimately, got his due recognition for leading the Broncos to a breakout season, culminating with a third-place finish in the BCL Asia behind his numbers of 21.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.
FIBA