By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Two-time champion Kyle Hines of CSKA Moscow has been among the most highly respected defensive players in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague for several seasons.
Now, the competition’s head coaches have marked him as the new standard-bearer for stopping opponents by choosing Hines as the recipient of the Best Defender Trophy for the 2015-16 season.
“The Best Defender Award is a true honor to win”, said Hines to Eurohoops. “The fact that it is voted on by the coaches of Euroleague make it even more of a great accomplishment. With so many great defenders in Euroleague the season, to be the one recognized by them is a big honor. I’m happy to share and be on the same list as the Euroleague legends that have won the award in the past”.
According to Eurohoops poll, Ekpe Udoh of Fenerbahce was the favorite to get the trophy, but Hines beat him.
Hines was among the Euroleague leaders in blocked shots, while forcing many more turnovers and missed shots with his athleticism and hustle, which left a lasting impression on all who saw him in action. The little big man – a center who stands at just 1.98 meters – had nine games in which he posted either multiple steals or blocks, and 11 games in which he pulled down at least 5 rebounds. Hines becomes the third CSKA player to win the Best Defender Trophy, joining Victor Khryapa (2010) and Andrei Kirilenko (2012).
Fenerbahce Istanbul big man Jan Vesely was second to Hines in the coaches’ voting, followed by Adam Hanga of Laboral Kutxa Vitoria Gasteiz and another Fenerbahce player, Ekpe Udoh.