MUNICH (Germany) - With a couple of weeks of EuroLeague Women Regular Season alredy banked, the very first steps in the exciting race to be crowned MVP have been taken.
While it's still early days and a number of nail-biting twists and turns lie in store as the campaign unfolds, here's a first-look at this season's pace-setters.
1. Emma Meesseman - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding
Forward
Average Stats: 29.5 EFF; 21.0 PPG; 71.4 FG%; 6.0 RPG; 3.5 APG; 3.0 SPG
It's been a typically awesome start from Fenerbahce's centerpiece. Meesseman has inspired two comfortable wins, shot the ball brilliantly, showcased her sometimes overlooked defensive prowess and is surely a lock to be in the MVP mix by the end of the season. She currently leads Fenerbahce in both efficiency and points.
2. Janelle Salaun - Beretta Famila Schio
Forward
Average Stats: 29.0 EFF; 21.5 PPG; 9.0 RPG; 4.0 SPG; 3.5 APG
The French national team forward has had a sensational start with her new team and was simply unstoppable in their crushing opening win against Avenida. Even when they fell short last week against DVTK HUNTHERM, Salaun was still the class performer on the floor. She leads Schio in efficiency, points, rebounds and steals right now!
3. Maria Conde - ZVVZ USK Praha
Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Average Stats: 21.5 EFF; 17.0 PPG; 8.5 APG; 4.5 RPG; 2.0 SPG
Conde produced her biggest ever show in the competition last week to carry Praha to their first win of the season and if she can get anywhere near that level on a consistent basis, she could post a career best season. The Spanish ace has shown she can do it all, with the winger creating and scoring for fun in both games so far.
4. Eliska Hamzova - Zabiny Brno
Guard
Average Stats: 28.5 EFF; 19.5 PPG; 71% FG; 6.0 RPG; 5.5 APG
The Czech guard has shot the lights out for Zabiny Brno, who having come through the Qualifiers, already have a Regular Season win to their name. Hamzova has been on fire, but not only netting almost 20 points per game, also doing a tremendous all-around job by working hard on the glass and passing the rock 5.5 times per outing too.
5. Gabby Williams - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding
Forward
Average Stats: 20.0 EFF; 11.5 PPG; 5.5 RPG; 5.5 APG; SPG 2.5
An elite operator in every way, Williams looks like she is going to be one of the frontrunners in this race. It's only been a couple of games so far, but the signs are there. Even if probably the most serious competition is alongside her in a Fener vest! The forward has dropped a trademark two games to date, getting points, boards, assists and steals for fun.
6. Iliana Rupert - CBK Mersin
Center
Average Stats: 19.5 EFF; 15.5 PPG; 8.5 RPG; 3.5 APG; 1.5 BPG
7. Nadia Fingall - Valencia Basket Club
Forward
Average Stats: 20.5 EFF; 13.5 PPG; 9.5 RPG; 2.0 APG
8. Pauline Astier - Tango Bourges Basket
Guard
Average Stats: 18.5 EFF; 14.5 PPG; 7.5 APG; 2.5 SPG; 2.0 RPG
9. Marine Johannes - CBK Mersin
Guard
Average Stats: 17.0 EFF; 17.5 PPG; 4.5 APG; 2.0 RPG; 2.0 APG
10. Awak Kuier - Umana Reyer Venezia
Center
Average Stats: 15.5 EFF; 14.0 PPG; 5.0 RPG; 2.5 APG; 1.5 BPG
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.