Kristi Toliver receives the Most Improved Player Award from Renee Brown, Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations.
No surprise on Sparks guard Kristi Toliver's most improved player award. She punctuated the honor by putting up 29 points last night in LA's first-round win over San Antonio. She was presented the award prior to tipoff.
(For this voter, choosing Toliver for this honor was a no-brainer)
Quotes complied my me:
Sparks Coach Carol Ross on Toliver's honor:
"Toliver is a workhouse. She’s working when people aren’t watching. She’s typically one of first ones in the gym. She really works on her game."
"(Earlier in her career) she was her own worst enemy; opponents had very little to do with her because she was always beating her own self up. By giving herself a break she’s enjoying the game more, which has allowed her to really flourish and blossom."
"Her mindset has created this outstanding basketball player, and I’m very happy that the people who voted on Most Improved Player were able to recognize how complete she’s become."
Forward Candace Parker on Toliver:
"It was a no-brainer. She put herself in this season for sure as one of the top players in the league. I know from the last 3 years, watching her every day in practice, how good she was capable of being and how good she is. When I was sitting with our GM and we were talking about the future of the Sparks and we were talking about needing a duo, we wanted her. I’m just happy she’s on my team and I don’t have to play against her."
Toliver on receiving the award:
"I’m honored to accept this award, and really what that award represents is hard work paying off. I’m constantly trying to get better, I want to be a great player. I know what it takes, it takes hours in the gym and in the classroom, and it didn’t just start this season. Earlier on in my career it was a struggle, but thru all these struggles, I’ve faced a lot of adversity, able to finally overcome and I’m proud of that and happy that I’m on my way to becoming one of the elite players in the league."
Toliver on the difference Ross has made to her:
"Coach Ross wants playmakers on her team, and that’s something that I’ve always been. Our relationship started really well. She’s really open, and she’s going to tell you the truth whether like it or not, and I like that. She’s just a very candid, straight forward coach. She’s a great communicator and that’s something that I value, that I need, and she’s challenged me to be a great offensive and defensive player, to be a complete player, and I take everything she has to say to heart. I couldn’t ask for a better coach and I think I finally landed myself a great coach for me."
5 comments:
Thought it shouldve went to Bonner, but who am I!! Bonner played lights out every night on a struggling PHX team. She played well on both ends of the floor. Toliver had it a tad bit easier and didnt have to do much work. But I guess since they didn't give Parker the MVP, someone on the Team had to receive SOMETHING. Go figure
ps And before you Wolves come looking for me, this is simply my opinion. "Beware of the Dog"
You know, HG1, the reason I chose Toliver is because she's surrounded by all that talent but still stuck way out and shone. But I have so much respect for Bonner, who put the Mercury on her back game after game. I voted for her for WNBA second team, and I pray she makes it. She's so very deserving.
And underrated. I love her defensive intensity, she never takes a play off. I hope someone, someday will recognize that one day.
"During her first three seasons in the WNBA, former Maryland all-American Kristi Toliver faced a more formidable adversary than any opponent wearing a different jersey: her own internally corrosive passion.
This year, however, Toliver began to dilute the more acidic aspects of her intensity. As a result, the guard had her best season as a professional and played a vital role in helping the Los Angeles Sparks reach the WNBA playoffs. ..."
http://tinyurl.com/93azlpf
Great characterization of Toliver!
Carol Ross said the same thing in her comments about Kristi. The entire organization is very proud of her.
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