By John Curtis
Globe Asst. Sports Editor
6/28/00
Dodge City Legend point guard Sean Colson has been named the United States Basketball League's "Player of the Year."
"My teammates are the key," Colson said about winning the award. "I was just put in a good position. I was basically the benefactor of everything that really happened.
Colson named 'Player of the Year'
Legend star says he was 'benefactor' of teammates' work
"I really appreciate my coaches and my teammates. Darrin (Hancock) could have won MVP or Artie (Griffin). I want to thank them for everything they did."
Colson was one of the key members of a Legend team that finished 22-8 in the regular season and picked up the Southern Division title, with a No. 1 ranking in the upcoming USBL Post-Season Festival in Salina.
"Just from the standpoint of the things he did game in and game out, I'm happy that he received the award," Legend head coach Kent
Davison said. "When you win, the MVP is going to be from the best team."
Colson led the USBL is scoring -- averaging 28.2 points per game -- as well as assists per game game with an eight assist average. Colson also averaged 3.7 rebounds and shot 87 percent from the free throw line.
"I didn't look to lead the league in scoring and assists," he said. "I was already being looked at by some NBA teams and I just wanted to come in here and do well for the team and impress the NBA. I didn't want to come in here and do well and the team not do well.
"Coach (Mike) Dolin said that in the 15 years of the USBL, no one had led both in points and assists."
Colson also said that he felt the Legend coaches were confident in what he could do.
"I was around Coach Dolin every day in the CBA," Colson said. "Coach (Kent) Davison tried to trade for me a couple of times, so I guess he liked the way I play," Colson said.
Colson said he felt the warmth of the community in home games at Dodge City Civic Center.
"What helped our team was our fans," he said. "We went to some places that had good teams that didn't have any support from the people in their community.
"But the fans here were behind us and I really appreciate the fans."