Ayon claims major award in Mexico

MEXICO (2016 Rio Olympics) - No player has brought more attention to the sport of basketball in Mexico the past several years than Gustavo Ayon, so a national honor the Real Madrid big man has received will come as no surprise for those who follow the international game.

The 30-year-old Tepic-born center, the Most Valuable Player of the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship after leading his national team to the title and qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, has received the 2015 Mexican National Sports Award in the category 'professional sport'.

"I'm proud to have received this accolade," Ayon said.

"In Mexico, it's a very important prize.

"I'd like to share it with my son, my family and my teammates at Real Madrid, who I had so much success alongside in 2015, and my national team colleagues.

"This award is an added source of motivation to keep on working hard and improving."

Ayon this summer played for Mexico when they hosted the FIBA Americas Championship and helped them reach the Semi-Finals to clinch a spot in one of next year's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs).

He averaged 17.7 points and 12.4 rebounds in front of his home fans.

Ayon had helped Real Madrid sweep all before them in the 2014-15 campaign.

They prevailed in the Euroleague, the Spanish Liga Endesa, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa Endesa.

Ayon helped Real get off on the right foot this season, playing in their 2015 FIBA Intercontinental Cup triumph over hosts Bauru in Brazil in late September.

The 2.06m pivot is off to a good start in this season's Liga Endesa, averaging 10.6ppg and 5rpg.

In the Euroleague, he is averaging 9.8ppg and 8rpg.

The player's aim next year will be to lead Mexico into the Rio de Janeiro Games.

The Tri have not played at the Olympics since 1976 in Montreal, Canada, almost a decade before Ayon was born.

To make it, Mexico will need to win one of the three six-team OQTs.

FIBA