Starling claims third Woollacott Medal

Adelaide 36ers power forward Alex Starling was crowned the best player in the NBL1 Central in 2024 and won his third Woollacott Medal on Sunday night.

The 199cm power forward scooped the awards on the night, winning the competition’s MVP honour, voted Defensive Player of the Year and was named in the All-Star Five.

South Adelaide captain Starling said to win a third Woollacott Medal at a third different club is special and surreal.

“From where I have started to what I have accomplished when I first started my basketball journey in South Australia,” Starling said.

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Starling averaged a career-high 23.1 points per game, adding 11.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.4 blocks per game during his 18 games for the Panthers.

Adelaide 36ers head coach Scott Ninnis said he continues to be impressed by Starling’s work ethic and dedication.

“Alex continues to be at the top of his game, and I think this season so far he’s been exceptional,” Ninnis, who coached Starling at South Adelaide in 2022 and 2023, said.

Starling was joined in the NBL1 Central All-Star Five by NBL25 signing Jacob Rigoni. 

Coming off his debut NBL season in NBL24, Starling said there hasn’t been much change in his play this NBL1 Central season.

“I don’t think there has been any differences since making the NBL,” Starling said.

“I guess the expectation of what others have of me might have changed I’m an NBL player now.

“Coming off an NBL season, I know I can play at that level now, but I still have the same focus.”

Starling’s third triumph comes after winning the award in 2014 for Woodville Warriors and in 2018 for North Adelaide Rockets, while he was named Defensive Player of the Year for a fifth time after honours in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023.