CHICAGO -- Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 2012-13 season, the NBA announced Wednesday afternoon.
The 7-foot-1, 265-pound Gasol is the first Grizzlies and the only European player to capture the prestigious award. "I'm the first European ever to accomplish this. It's really an honor. Now I think my kids will believe me when I tell them I played in the NBA," Gasol told ESPN.com.
As Memphis' center, Gasol was the strongest link in a team defense that holds opposing teams to a league-low 89.3 points per game while allowing just 43.5 percent from the field.
The 28-year old Gasol, a four-time All-Star, averaged 14.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, four assists and 1.7 blocks a game in 80 regular season outings. He garnered 212 points and 30 first-place votes over second-placer LeBron James, who got 149 points and 18 first-place votes. Oklahoma City Thunder Serge Ibaka was third with 122 points and 14 first-place votes.
As a league sponsor, KIA Motors America will donate a Kia Sorento LX CUV to Gasol's charity of choice. (Homer D. Sayson)
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