MANAWATU’s star forward and eventual Most Valuable Player of the NZNBL 2020 season, Thomas Vodanovich had an action packed campaign, as he led his side to a grand final appearance with multiple impressive outings.

These included a dominant 25-point and 12-rebound performance against the Rams, multiple 28-point performances (including the grand final) and a 38-point masterclass in the second game of the season against the Huskies. But his best individual performance came at the very end of the regular season against the Franklin Bulls.

The multiple-time Tall Black’s display against the Bulls in late-July was so impressive, he outperformed teammate and statistical gatherer Hyrum Harris in the plus-minus statistic by more than 10 and for this, features as number three in Draft Central’s Top 10 Moments.

For the Jets and Vodanovich’s full match report against the Bulls – Click HERE

Prior to their tipoff in the season closer, the Jets had a lot at stake, as a loss against Franklin would mean losing their qualifying final slot and a chance to gain a trip straight to the prelims. So, it was apparent to Tim McTamney’s squad that they needed to start off strong, and who better to help get that going than their first-round pick and captain.

Funnily enough, Vodanovich got the scoring going, opening up the contest with the game’s first points. But, the rest of his starting five proved pivotal in allowing Manawatu to obtain a double-digit lead heading into quarter time. Harris, Jayden Bezzant and Taane Samuel each contributed to the scoring load in the opening 10 minutes, but the main man was still yet to catch fire putting up eight points in that time (four of which came from free throws).

But all notions of Vodanovich having a quiet night were quickly dashed, as he went on a three-point tear, knocking down four consecutive threes for his side and putting up 12 of his team’s first 14 points in the second term. He hit home with a fifth triple, three minutes later finishing off a 17-point second quarter and extending his team’s advantage to 15 points at the main break.

For the majority of the third quarter, Vodanovich’s teammates held down the fort, keeping the Bulls at bay. As the combination of Dominique Kelman-Poto and Jackson Stubbins failed to cut significantly into their deficit. Four minutes in, Vodanovich found his first points of the second half making four free throws in a row, which was promptly followed by a triple as a result of Nicholas Fee rebound. The three mentioned would prompt another scoring run, as he found the target on two more attempts and brought his total from behind the arc to eight. Heading into the final break, Vodanovich had already compiled an unbelievable 37 points.

With the final term underway a minute and a half later, Vodanovich topped his season high and cracked the 40-point mark with his ninth three-pointer of the contest, thanks to a Harris assist. But feeling good and with fresh legs, the sharpshooter continued into the sixth minute of the final quarter, and after nailing his tenth triple exited the game.

Despite a late charge from the Bulls, it was nothing more than a formality, as the Jets ran away with the matchup 99-84, earning the win after a monumental effort from their leader and talisman.

Vodanovich summarised his night with 43 points (a career-high), 11 rebounds and a few assists to round out his 34 minutes of court time. Harris also had a respectable night, racking up numbers as usual with nine points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Whereas Samuel (16), Fee (12) and Bezzant (10) got into double digits.

A career night that saw Vodanovich help his side to a top-two spot to finish the season, it is no wonder why his 43-point performance finishes so high on Draft Central’s list.