Prather named MVP and re-signs with Bullets

Not only was Casey Prather awarded the Leroy Loggins MVP Award for the Brisbane Bullets for the 2024/25 NBL season, but he also announced that he will be returning to the club next season as well.

The 2024/25 season of the Brisbane Bullets was celebrated on Friday night for the MVP Awards Gala at The Star Brisbane's Ballroom with over 300 guests in attendance after the team's season came to an end in Cairns the previous evening.

The crowning moment of the night was the awarding of the Leroy Loggins MVP Award and not only did Prather collect that trophy for the first time, but confirmed that he will be returning with the Bullets next season as well.

Prather arrived at the Bullets for the back end of the NBL24 season on the back of previously playing three seasons in the NBL for two championships at the Perth Wildcats and winning another title with Melbourne United.

He had played some outstanding basketball and he also had an MVP season in Israel back in 2021, but his performances throughout NBL25 for the Bullets were nothing short of brilliant.

The numbers back it up too with him putting up 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists this season with the Bullets on the back of shooting 47.3 per cent from the field, 39.9 per cent from three-point range and 74.0 per cent at the foul line.

His points per game, three-point percentage, rebounds and then his 31.3 minutes are all the best he's produced in the NBL.

Speaking after Thursday night's game in Cairns that brought an end Prather's best of his five seasons in the NBL, Prather also declared that now that he's back to full health and got through a full season, he's just getting started at the Bullets.

"To be honest, y'all haven’t really seen nothing yet," Prather said.

"I did have a pretty good season I guess individually, but I still have more to go to be honest. I'm excited about showcasing that, there's more to come.

"The confidence has built now, I know what I can and what I should be doing, and now it's just about adding to the game and adding to the success that I've had."

Not only that, but with his wife Ariana and their young son settling into life in Brisbane, it's somewhere the family want to continue calling home.

"Yeah absolutely, I love the team and I love the culture that we are building here," Prather said.

"My wife and my son, I love seeing them thriving in Brisbane too. I love the culture and let's see what's going to happen."

Prather wasn’t the only Bullets player recognised on Friday night either with inspirational captain Mitch Norton also honoured for one of the best seasons of his 371-game career as a leader, defender, playmaker and even a knockdown shooter.

As a result, Norton won the Defensive Player of the Year Award along with winning the H.A.B.I.T.S Player of the Year which is presented to the player who best upholds the club's values through daily adherence to the H.A.B.I.T.S mantra.

The Youth Player of the Year Award was presented to Josh Bannan who while he did battle a couple of injuries throughout the season limiting him to 19 appearances, when available he showed he is one of the best emerging talents in the NBL.

Bannan averaged 13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds a game while showing he is a tremendous all-round player with an enormous future.

The Narelle Kelly Award was presented to the club's General Manager – Consumer and Customer Experience, Kate Harris and is given to the individual who makes an invaluable contribution to the club's success and community.

Another significant award presented on the night was the Volunteer of the Year and that was won by Molly Robinson.

BRISBANE BULLETS NBL25 MVP AWARDS

Volunteer of the Year – Molly Robinson

Narelle Kelly Award – Kate Harris

Youth Player of the Year Award – Josh Bannan

Defensive Player of the Year Award – Mitch Norton

H.A.B.I.T.S Player of the Year – Mitch Norton

LEROY LOGGINS MVP PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Casey Prather