Basketball: Cocks named Grand Final MVP

Micaela Cocks playing for the Tall Ferns. Photo / Getty Images

Micaela Cocks couldn't quite believe it when she was announced the Grand Final MVP following Townsville Fire's dramatic Australian WNBL Grand Final triumph against Perth Lynx.

Already 1-0 up in the best of three Grand Final Series Townsville clinched the championship with an 80-70 triumph in game 2 last weekend.

"I was not expecting it at all and when I heard my name called out I was stunned, but I am so honoured and proud to have received it. It is a very incredible feeling, the icing on the cake."

In game two the former North Harbour representative scored 13 points at a terrific clip - 4 from 7 shots including all three attempts from beyond the arc - and added 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Those numbers, added to her 15 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists in the first game earned Cocks the Rachel Sporn medal.

It certainly is a sweet feeling for the Takapuna Grammar School alumni who has now appeared in four straight WNBL finals for Townsville, the last two resulting in championship victories.

"The first one was amazing because it was the first ever championship for Townsville and myself. However, this one feels more rewarding because it was a lot more challenging this year."

Only fellow guard Mia Murray and coach Chris Lucas have featured in all four final's campaigns. Lucas doubles as the Tall Ferns assistant coach and Cocks is full of praise for the South Australian's work ethic and coaching style.

"Chris puts the most time into our team than any one and all his hard work has lead to a very successful programme. He has a great ability to create a winning culture and understands how to build a successful team. He always recruits character over talent."

For his part Lucas is full of praise for his double championship winning point guard, a key player in his team's success.

"She is without question the fittest player in our programme, she does more individuals than any other player and that is a just reward for her. Her ability during the grand final series to control the tempo, do a terrific job defensively, and still play her own natural game was really important for the team's end result."

It wasn't all plain sailing at the start of the season when Cocks made the switch from shooting guard to the point.

"At the beginning of the season we were 3-3 and not travelling too well and Micaela actually dropped out of the starting five for a while. But the way she bounced back and her performances through all the finals games was something special and I believe it has given her a great deal of personal confidence and hopefully she will carry that through to the Tall Ferns," said Lucas

The Tall Ferns guard guard is now one of the most decorated players in New Zealand Women's basketball history boasting a long and illustrious international career to add to her achievements at club level.

Cocks first played for the Tall Ferns as a teenager at the 2005 William Jones Cup in Taiwan. A year later she won a silver medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and in 2008 played for the Ferns at the Beijing Olympics.

Cocks will now take some time off in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Nantes, France in June.

A second Olympic appearance would cap a wonderful year for the 29 year old.