Cameron Tragardh of the Wollongong IMB Hawks has been named the Most Improved Player for the 2007/08 HUMMER Championship National Basketball League (NBL) season. 

Tragardh was a clear winner of the award, garnering 81 votes to finish a full 40 clear of nearest rival, Darren Ng of Adelaide (41).  New Zealand’s Mika Vukona polled third with 22 votes. Melbourne’s David Barlow (17) came fourth and Perth’s Brad Robbins (15) finished in fifth place.

Season 2007/08 saw Tragardh register a breakout year, as he improved in nearly every statistical category.  He averaged 17.6 points, which was a massive increase on the 3.5 he had previously averaged.  His rebounding also took a quantum leap, up to 7.8 per game compared to 1.6 in his for previous seasons. 

Tragardh also improved in assists (up to 1.2 from 0.3) and shot the ball at 53% from the field  compared to the 46% he had averaged prior to this season. 

The 209cm forward said he was delighted to join the likes of CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey and James Harvey as previous winners of the award.

“I'm greatly honoured to receive the award,” said Tragardh.  “To be put in the same category as some of the players that have won it is something very special to me. It has been a long road but is nice to see the work pay off.”

“I'd especially like to thank (Hawks coach) Eric Cooks for giving me the opportunity to play under him and the chances I received on the floor this season.”

A vote of all league head coaches and captains and one assistant coach per club determine the Most Improved Player award, with voters excluded from voting for members of their own team.  Ballots are cast on a 3-2-1 basis.