CARACAS (Liga Profesional) - Gaiteros guard Ruben Nembhard has been voted the Venezuelan Liga Profesional's regular season MVP for a third time.
The American has been the key figure in the Zulia-based squad, playing 40 of their 42 regular season ties, averaging 22.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 4.8 steals per game.
Nembhard joins compatriot Al Smith and Victor David Diaz as the only players to win the award three times.
Trotamundos from Carabobo boss Nestor Garcia was elected Coach of the Year.
Considered the best Argentinian coach after the national team boss Sergio Santos Hernandez, the coach of the side from Carabobo is in his second spell at the club.
"I'm delighted with this award and I hope to help Trotamundos to win their eighth league title," he said.
Trotamundos go into the post-season as top-seeds.
Trotamundos' Tomas Aguilera was voted Best Sixth-man and Miranda-based Panteras Gregory Vargas was named Rookie of the Year.
Nembhard, Gregory Ballenilla, Roger Washington, Hector Romero and Richard Lugo form the regular season Dream Team.
Post-season gets under way on Wednesday, with the race to the title starting when Gaiteros visit Marinos from Anzoategui.
The other ties will see Trotamundos challenge Gatos from Monagas and Lara-based Guaros meet Guaiqueries from Margarita.
PA Sport