The race begins: Who are the early frontrunners for MVP?

MUNICH (Germany) - The new EuroLeague Women season is underway and so is the race for the MVP honors.

After just two weeks of Regular Season action, it's still way too early to draw any definitive conclusions and many more stellar performers will inevitably enter this race later as the campaign unfolds. 

However, let's see who has already started making their moves in the race that we will keep a close eye on throughout the 2023-24 campaign. 

Here's the first ranking of the season:

1. Kayla McBride - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding

GUARD

Average Stats: 19.0 PPG; 5.0 RPG; 6.0 APG; 2.5 SPG; 27.0 EFF

Ever since landing back in Istanbul, McBride has been on fire. In fact, she is arguably playing the best basketball of her career in the competition. Stepping out with the unbeaten Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding who have looked near to invincible so far, the guard has played a big part in this with her contributions on the floor. Her scoring and creative touch has been ever-present, while her additional work on the glass and solid defensive efforts have caught the eye too. Can she keep this top step of the podium moving forward?

2. Cecilia Zandalasini - Virtus Segafredeo Bologna

GUARD

Average Stats: 16.5 PPG; 8.5 RPG; 6.5 APG; 2.0 SPG; 25.5 EFF

Many observers have been waiting for this kind of form for quite some time from the massively talented Italian star and could this be the season when Zandalasini takes the final step? That would simply be making the transition to a leading and dominant force, rather than showing her sublime talent in shorter bursts for the highlights reel. The signs are so good for Virtus right now. She is playing with intelligence and maturity, looks to be relishing the role as a leader and has the class to continue shining in every facet of the game.

3. Ezi Magbegor - ZVVZ USK Praha

CENTER

Average Stats: 19.5 PPG; 14.5 RPG; 2.6 BPG; 28.0 EFF

What a red-hot start it has been for Magbegor with her new team. She showed she can be a towering presence in any game during her debut season with Sopron Basket. However, the Australian center has turned up the dial in the early stages of this campaign and is averaging a massive double-double. Her height, wingspan, quick feet, rebounding and ability to block shots makes her difficult to live with for opponents. With Praha losing marquee star Alyssa Thomas this past summer, Magbegor is helping fill that void.

4. Napheesa Collier - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding

FORWARD

Average Stats: 20.0 PPG; 7.0 RPG; 4.5 SPG; 2.5 APG; 29.0 EFF

You can make a strong case for having Collier as the number one, only her short-term contract with Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding means she will not play the whole of the Regular Season. But the Turkish juggernauts have left the door open for a possible return later in the year. Although for now, we can all admire her phenomenal impact on the reigning champions - whether as SuperCup Women MVP or her fine work at both ends of the court at the start of this Regular Season. Her stats tell the story of a real class act.

5. Emma Meesseman - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding

FORWARD

Average Stats: 15.5 PPG; 5.5 APG; 5.0 RPG; 24.5 EFF

Last season's MVP probably hasn't quite hit absolute top gear just yet, but you can guarantee she will make more and more of a splash as the campaign unfolds. Still the go-to option for Fenerbahce, she may have been very slightly overshadowed by the great work of her two teammates in McBride and Collier - but there is no keeping the Belgian ace down. In fact, you would certainly not rule her out of hanging onto her MVP accolade for another season by the time we get to April. Watch this space.

6. Elizabeth Williams - Cukurova Basketbol Mersin

CENTER

Average Stats: 8.0 PPG; 14.0 RPG; 8.0 APG; 3.0 SPG; 27.0 EFF

7. Kennedy Burke - Villeneuve d'Ascq LM

GUARD

Average Stats: 25.0 PPG; 5.5 RPG; 3.5 SPG; 2.0 APG; 22.5 EFF

8. Mariella Fasoula - Perfumerias Avenida

CENTER

Average Stats: 13.5 PPG; 65% FG; 5.5 RPG; 14.0 EFF

9. Arella Guirantes - Beretta Famila Schio

GUARD

Average Stats: 13.0 PPG; 5.5 RPG; 13.0 EFF

10. Alina Iagupova - Cukurova Basketbol Mersin

SMALL FORWARD

Average Stats: 18.5 PPG; 5.5 APG; 5.0 RPG; 13.0 EFF

DISCLAIMER: The MVP Race, compiled by a panel of experts, is entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking system. The ranking and all comments are purely those of the author(s) and do not reflect the view of FIBA.