MUNICH (Germany) - Voting for the EuroLeague Women Awards has tipped off and fans are busy making their choices in six different categories, including the Defensive Player of the Year. A number of players have shown their defensive prowess across the 2024-25 season and a total of 15 players have been nominated for the award by an expert panel.
The candidates are looking to add to an eye-catching list of former award winners, with both Gabby Williams and Yvonne Anderson chasing the honor for a second time.
2020: Alyssa Thomas (ZVVZ USK Praha) 2021: Gabby Williams (Sopron Basket) 2022: Elizabeth Williams (Fenerbahce Safiport) 2023: Alyssa Thomas (ZVVZ USK Praha) 2024: Yvonne Anderson (CIMSA CBK Mersin) Here's everything you need to know before you cast your vote.
One of the leading candidates in the voting is 2021 winner Gabby Williams, who leads the steals chart this season with 2.8 per game. She's just ahead of Fenerbahce Opet teammate Julie Allemand, who's grabbed 2.4 per outing.
Valeriane Ayayi of ZVVZ USK Praha and Mariona Ortiz of Casademont Zaragoza share the third podium step with an average of 2.2 steals, while Alina Iagupova of Valencia Basket Club has 2.1. The other players who have snatched at least 2.0 per game are Helena Pueyo of Casademont Zaragoza and Pauline Astier of Tango Bourges Basket.
When it comes to blocks, Iliana Rupert of CIMSA CBK Mersin leads the competition with 1.7 per game, followed by Awak Kuier of Umana Reyer Venezia who has swatted 1.2.
However, stats are not the whole story. Perhaps your favorite player is a great on-ball defender for example. It's time to make your pick!
FIBA