Parker Jackson-Cartwright earns MVP, Justin Simon DPOY in the German BBL

Former Arizona Basketball players Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Justin Simon earned awards in the German Easy Credit Basketball Bundesliga League.

Germany is Wildcat country as three, former Wildcats are playing in the German BBL; Parker Jackson-Cartwright plays for Baskets Bonn, while Justin Simon and Rawle Alkins are teammates on MHP Riesen (currently ranked No. 4).

Parker Jackson-Cartwright

Out of 18 teams and with an overwhelming majority of votes (62.2 percent of the votes), former Arizona Basketball star Parker Jackson-Cartwright was voted Easy Credit BBL’s Most Valuable Player of the 2021-22 season. This is the first time since 1996 his team has had a player earn an end-of-year honor like this.

This is Parker’s third consecutive MVP honor after previously being named MVP with Saint-Quentin in the French League in 2020, and with Cheshire in 2021 in Britain. PJC is just 26, let that sink in.

Jackson-Cartwright finished this year averaging 19.3 points (ranks No.1) while dishing 7.4 assists and grabbing 2.0 steals in 30 minutes as he led the league in three categories.

To date, he has led his No. 1 team to a 25-7 record. He is currently in California with his family after the passing of his father, who a lot enjoyed during PJC’s time in Tucson, as he was PJC’s biggest fan.

“We are all very happy for Parker that he was deservedly named MVP. His energy, enthusiasm, and altruistic nature led the team to a record-breaking season. It’s great that voters recognize and appreciate this,” said Baskets Bonn head coach Tuomas Iisalo who earned the Coach of the Year award.

Justin Simon

Also out of 18 teams, former Wildcat Justin Simon earned the Defensive Player of the Year award for the German BBL. The MHP Riesen team named Simon, “The Ministry of Defense,” “The complete all-round carefree package in defense,” and “A walking stop sign” due to “His immense arm span (2.10 meters).”

Simon has averaged 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 28 minutes per game, “I appreciate this award very much and I am grateful for my teammates, the staff, and our basketball style, which helped me to achieve this,” exclaimed Simon.

Justin’s team not only plays in the BBL, but MHP Riesen also plays in the Champions League, a global league where teams all over the world compete. Along with Simon’s leadership and defense, MHP has landed in the final four.

On to the Playoffs! Bonn and MHP have played twice and split the wins. Wonder if the two teams will meet in the playoffs or better yet the finals? Tune in to Zona Zealots to find out!