2024 MLP Challenger Level Most Improved Award: The nominations for the 2024 MLP Challenger Level Most Improved Player are Judit Castillo (Las Vegas Night Owls), Todd Fought (Atlanta Bouncers), Allison Harris (Chicago Slice), and Eric Oncins (Miami Pickleball Club). Each player had significant moments during the season, but one stands out for their exceptional development.
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Eric Oncins: The Eye-Test Candidate
Eric Oncins made a rapid transition from college tennis to pickleball and quickly proved his potential. Having just finished his senior year at Florida Gulf Coast University, Eric’s impressive size, quickness, and shot-making ability were immediately apparent. While his statistical improvements weren’t always dramatic from event to event, the eye test tells a different story.
Oncins’ performance at the MLP Miami event toward the end of the season was subpar, but he had a major breakthrough during the playoffs, posting a 3-1 record and helping his team secure a semi-final berth. This performance was a testament to his growth and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Eric’s improvement may not always be reflected in the numbers, but his overall development and impact on the court over the last six months solidify his place as one of the most improved players in the league.
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Other Nominees
Judit Castillo had a solid year, finishing with the same match win percentage as Zoey Wang. As the 13th overall pick in the draft, expectations were high for Castillo, and she certainly met them, showing improvement throughout the season. However, while she did improve, it wasn’t as drastic as Oncins’ transformation.
Allison Harris, selected 19th overall, finished 27th in the Challenger Level standings. While Harris was solid, posting a 25-21 record over 46 matches, she didn’t display the kind of growth needed to secure the Most Improved Player award. Despite being a strong contributor to Chicago Slice, her development didn’t reach the levels seen in other nominees.
Todd Fought, another standout nominee, had a stellar season and was even named to the Challenger Level All First Team in a podcast by Matty Pickles. Fought played at a high level, but unlike some of the other nominees, he didn’t experience the kind of growth that would place him as the Most Improved Player. His performance was phenomenal from start to finish, making his inclusion in this category somewhat surprising.
While all the nominees had strong seasons, Eric Oncins stands out as the most improved player in the 2024 MLP Challenger Level. His leap from a newcomer to a playoff performer shows how much his game has evolved.
News in Brief: 2024 MLP Challenger Level Most Improved Award
The race for the 2024 MLP Challenger Level Most Improved Player is tight, with Eric Oncins leading the pack thanks to his rapid development. Oncins’ growth over the past six months has been apparent to anyone watching, even though his statistics didn’t always show the same improvement.
Judit Castillo and Allison Harris also had solid seasons, but neither showed the same drastic progress. Todd Fought, despite being exceptional, didn’t experience the kind of growth typical for the Most Improved Player award.
Also Read: Anna Leigh Waters’ Historic MLP Season – The MVP Case for Greatness