Boomers import Jordin Canada named WNBL's best

Los Angeles-born Canada, also contracted with the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, was the league's joint assists leader with 7.6 per game across her debut season.

A dual WNBA champion, 28-year-old Canada also ranked in the WNBL's top 10 for points, averaging 15.2 across her 18 regular-season appearances.

She sealed Sunday's one-point win against the Canberra Capitals with a late free throw to book a semi-final date with Southside Flyers.

The league's MVP is determined by a selection committee, which whittles down a shortlist of 15 players created by coach and referee votes from each game.

On Sunday night, Canada beat out players including Sydney Flames' Lauren Nicholson and Canberra Capitals young gun Jade Melbourne to clinch the prize.

"My teammates and the Boomer organisation have welcomed me with open arms and the fans have been amazing for me," Canada said.

"It's a very competitive league and has been great for me to expand my game in different ways."

Canada is the first American to win league MVP, and the first overseas player to collect the award since Canadian Kia Nurse for Canberra in the 2019/20 season.

Nicholson won defensive player of the year for the second time, while Melbourne - whose case for an Opals spot at the Paris Olympics continues to grow - was crowned fan MVP.

Adelaide Lightning's Isobel Borlase, and Mercedes Russell of the finals-bound Southside Flyers joined Canada, Nicholson and Melbourne in the all-WNBL first team.

Melbourne's teammate Alex Sharp took home breakout player of the year despite the Capitals' last-placed finish, while Leilani Mitchell won sixth woman of the year for starring off the bench for Southside.

Shannon Seebohm was awarded coach of the year for a record-equalling fourth time after guiding the Townsville Fire to the top of the ladder for a second consecutive season.

Australian Associated Press