Croatian player 'very disappointed' with MVP award choice

Croatian basketball player Luka Božić has voiced his strong disappointment after being overlooked for the Liga ACB MVP award, despite leading the Spanish league in valuation points.

Božić, who plays for the relegated team Granada, posted on Instagram Monday expressing his dismay. "I am very disappointed with the ACB's choice for the MVP award," wrote the 30-year-old power forward. He had averaged 24.26 valuation points per game, a statistical achievement not seen since 2008, combining points, blocks, assists, rebounds, and steals.

The award was given to Mario Hezonja, a 31-year-old Croatian teammate of Božić's on the national team, who plays for the leading team Real Madrid. Hezonja finished the regular season with an average of 18.8 valuation points per game. Both players were named to the Liga ACB's best starting five for the season.

According to Liga ACB, the MVP award is based on votes from league coaches, team captains, media, and fans, with each group contributing 25 percent of the vote. Hezonja secured first place with 103.5 points, while Božić finished fifth with 43.6 points. Although coaches, players, and media favored Božić more heavily, he received the highest fan vote among all candidates.

"Fans chose me as MVP. I want to thank each of you for taking the time and voting, I am truly grateful," Božić said in his address. He added, "I gave my all, but sometimes you can't fight politics... I will need some time away from basketball. God works in mysterious ways." Božić's contract with Granada is set to expire this month. Despite his outstanding performance, Granada was relegated to the second division. Liga ACB acknowledged Božić as the "great discovery of the season."