Jackson named the Breakers' best

He may have missed out on the league's top award but Breakers guard Cedric Jackson received some deserved recognition at the club awards tonight. The American was named the most valuable player in the Breakers' championship-winning campaign, while he was also voted by his fellow players as player of the year. Tom Abercrombie was named the fans' most valuable player. Jackson's awards acknowledge an at times spectacular season from the 26-year-old, who finished fourth in voting for the Australian NBL most valuable player award. Jackson led the league in assists (6.5) and steals (2.2) in his first season in the competition, statistics which earned him a spot on the ANBL first team. He flirted with becoming the first Breaker to record a triple double (double figures in three statistical categories) on several occasions, running the offence while being a stand-out on the defensive end as the Breakers finished the regular season with a 21-7 record. The Breakers, of course, went on to add a second straight title to the minor premiership, prevailing in tight series against Townsville and Perth. Jackson's ankle injury before the second game of the semifinal series against Townsville threatened to derail his team's playoffs campaign, but the point guard rose out of a wheelchair to start in a season-saving victory. Whether Jackson will be on hand when the Breakers pursue a three-peat is another question. After starring in college at Cleveland State, Jackson featured in 12 games for three different NBA teams during the 2009-10 season. Jackson has said he still harbours hopes of cracking the NBA, but if his American dream fails to transpire the Breakers would welcome him back with open arms.