MVP race continues to heat up: Who is the new frontrunner?

MUNICH (Germany) - Having recently entered the second half of the EuroLeague Women season, it's time to check in on the latest contenders in the coveted MVP race.

And, there have been quite a few changes since the leading ballers were revealed in the very early edition of the scramble to land MVP honors. With more contributions now firmly in the books, who are the players looking most likely to take this prestigious individual crown?

Check out the full ranking below:

1. Emma Meesseman - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding

POWER FORWARD

Average Stats: 16.7 PPG; 7.0 RPG; 64.8% FG; 3.2 APG; 23.0 EFF

It's no coincidence the upturn of Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding in terms of their winning streak and level of performance has clearly aligned to the return of the Belgian ace. A former Final Four MVP, Meesseman is turning up the dial in a big way right now and looking like she is finding top gear after her early season injury. There is more to come and her staggering 23 from 26 shooting across the last two games is the most emphatic answer possible for anyone questioning why she has moved up to the number one spot. Unstoppable!

2. Stephanie Mavunga - BC Polkowice

POWER FORWARD

Average Stats: 16.2 PPG; 13.0 RPG; 2.1 BPG; 23.2 EFF 

The fairytale continues for BC Polkowice who are a brilliant 7-2, with Mavunga still very much the outstanding centerpiece of their landmark campaign. The season double-double so far from the forward has been one of the most impressive and powerful individual contributions of the Regular Season. She has gone toe-toe-toe with a plethora of top level opponents and more often than not, come out on top in those duels. If this incredible ride continues for the Polish club and they do make the post-season, she could yet be MVP!

3. Alyssa Thomas - ZVVZ USK Praha

FORWARD

Average Stats: 18.6 PPG; 11.2 RPG; 7.3 APG; 3.0 SPG; 28.0 EFF

The moniker of Alyssa 'Walking Triple-Double' Thomas shows no signs of fading away. If anything, it is only growing stronger and even during those times when Praha don't win such as on Gameday 9 when they went down to Valencia, the forward still came up with her trademark triple-double. Do-it-all and massively influential, the only thing stopping her from possibly winning the MVP award might be an indifferent run of form from her team. 

4. Alina Iagupova - Fenerbahce Alazog Holding

GUARD/SMALL FORWARD

Average Stats: 15.2  PPG; 4.7 RPG; 4.5 APG; 2.8 SPG; 19.0 EFF 

With all eyes on Meessman and most recently the introduction of Breanna Stewart too, don't be surprised if Iagupova comes up on the rails and squeezes out both of her Fenerbahce teammates. After all, the dynamic Ukrainian is no stranger to such individual accolades and as the season heats up, she will continue to contribute in every facet of the game. Her ability to score in so many ways, create for others, do the work on the glass and stuff the highlights reel means she is as popular as ever.

5. Jelena Brooks - Sopron Basket

FORWARD 

Average Stats: 16.6PPG; 4.6 RPG;  3.0 APG; 15.6 EFF

The defending champions made changes last summer as they rebooted in the wake of their historic title. Yet one of the pillars of their glorious first ever EuroLeague Women success remained on board and that has made such a difference to the defense of their cherished silverware. With Brooks using all her veteran class and experience, Sopron lead Group B and are showing they won't give up their crown without a massive fight. If they are to get back to Final Four yet again, expect the Serbian to be the one to take them there.

6. Yvonne Anderson - Tango Bourges Basket

GUARD
Average Stats: 17.6 PPG; 4.7 RPG; 3.0 APG; 2.7 SPG; 16.8 EFF

7. Chelsea Gray - CBK Mersin Yenisehir

GUARD

Average Stats: 20.0 PPG; 2.6 RPG; 7.2 APG; 19.4 EFF

8. Marie Guelich - Valencia Basket Club

POWER FORWARD

Average Stats: 10.9 PPG; 5.7 RPG; 2.2 APG; 14.6 EFF 

9. Ezi Magbegor - Sopron Basket

CENTER

Average Stats: 10.7PPG; 8.1 RPG; 1.7 BPG; 16.1 EFF

10. Megan Gustafson - Olympiacos SFP

FORWARD/CENTER

Average Stats: 23.5 PPG; 62% FG; 9.9 RPG; 27.3 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.