MUNICH (Germany) - Yvonne Anderson, Mariona Ortiz and Gabby Williams have been announced as the finalists for the EuroLeague Women Defensive Player of the Year Award.
They are all battling it out in the race to take the honor after finishing in the top three of voting conducted by EuroLeague Women coaches, players, selected media and the fans.
CIMSA CBK Mersin floor general Anderson is chasing back-to-back awards in this category, while Fenerbahce Opet forward Williams won it four years ago when wearing a Sopron jersey.
Meanwhile, Spanish guard Mariona Ortiz is looking to become a first-time winner after an impressive campaign with Casademont Zaragoza.
The winners of the EuroLeague Women Awards will be announced at special ceremony at the EuroLeague Women Final Six in Zaragoza, Spain on Saturday, April 12.
Past winners
2020: Alyssa Thomas (ZVVZ USK Praha) 2021: Gabby Williams (Sopron Basket) 2022: Elizabeth Williams (Fenerbahce Opet) 2023: Alyssa Thomas (ZVVZ USK Praha) 2024: Yvonne Anderson (CIMSA CBK Mersin)
Yvonne Anderson (CIMSA CBK Mersin)
Guard
Birth Date: March 8, 1990 (35 years old) Height: 1.75 (5ft 9in)
Stats: 14.4 EFF / 11.5 PPG / 5.2 APG / 3.0 RPG / 1.8 SPG The veteran guard brings a wealth of know-how to the table for Mersin and she has been playing at a high level once again in the competition this season, having won the 2024 award. Tough to shake off when she is on a guarding mission, her experience and quickness are a potent combination.
Mariona Ortiz (Casademont Zaragoza)
Guard
Birth Date: February 28, 1992 (33 years old) Height: 1.82 (6ft 0in)
Stats: 10.5 EFF / 6.5 PPG / 5.4 APG / 4.9 RPG / 2.2 SPG A true leader for her team at both ends of the court, but especially defensively, Ortiz is a huge fan favorite and helped Zaragoza to make the Quarter-Final Play-Ins. Her smarts reading the game and her on and off ball defense were key to another strong campaign for the Spanish club.
Gabby Williams (Fenerbahce Opet)
Forward
Birth Date: September 9, 1996 (28 years old) Height: 1.80 (5ft 11in)
Stats: 19.8 EFF / 14.1 PPG / 5.6 RPG / 3.8 APG / 2.8 SPG Yet to taste defeat, reigning champions Fenerbahce have benefited from the stellar play of Williams. She has grown stronger with every game. Her defensive skills are so important, while her 14.1 points per game reflects a growing influence offensively.
FIBA