The NBA recognized Orlando Magic Forward, Ryan Anderson, with the Most Improved Player award Friday afternoon.

Anderson, who is having a very difficult post-season, was instrumental to the early season success the Magic enjoyed to begin the season.

While he tapered off a bit with the absence of Howard he still finished the season as the Magic’s 2nd leading scorer and rebounder while also leading the team in 3 pointers made.

Here are the particulars on Anderson’s victory via NBA.COM ^[1]:

Anderson established career highs in scoring (16.1 ppg), rebounds (7.7 rpg), field goal percentage (.439) and free throw percentage. He also paced the league and established personal bests in three-pointers made (166) and attempted (422). He increased his scoring from the previous season by 5.5 ppg and his rebounds by 2.2 rpg. Orlando averaged 107.5 points per 100 possessions with Anderson on the court, compared to 94.1 points with the 6-10 forward on the bench.

As part of its support of the Most Improved Player Award, Kia Motors America will donate a new Kia Sorento CUV on behalf of Anderson to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida

The official results are listed below:

2011-12 Kia Most Improved Player of the Year Results

The ever humble Anderson said the following at the press conference:

“I never thought I’d win an award like this. It’s a pretty cool honor and to hear the names that have won this award before and be a part of that list is pretty special. You come into the NBA and you plan on just playing, and then when you win an award like this it’s a pretty special thing.”

Anderson now hopes to help the Magic even the series against the surging Indiana Pacers. Knowing Anderson, he would take a series win over the individual award any day.

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