MUNICH (Germany) - With the First Round of the EuroLeague Women Regular Season complete and the Second Round about to tip-off, it's a great time to check out how the race to be crowned MVP is shaping up.
Here's the refreshed and updated top 10 featuring all the climbers, fallers and new entrants who are looking to land the ultimate individual honor in the competition.
1. Emma Meesseman - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding (-)
Forward
Average Stats: 26.7 EFF; 18.7 PPG; 5.7 RPG; 5.3 APG; 2.5 SPG
It wouldn't be an MVP race without last season's winner and perennial favorite. Meesseman has been head and shoulders the best baller for Fenerbahce Opet, carrying the title holders to an unbeaten 6-0 record. As usual it has been the Belgian star's all-around contributions at both ends that have impressed so much. The October MVP and in the November Team of the Month, it's going to take quite something to deny her successive season MVP awards.
2. Maria Conde - ZVVZ USK Praha (+1)
Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Average Stats: 20.2 EFF; 14.8 PPG; 6.7 APG; 5.5 RPG
While it is only a few months into the new campaign, it's difficult to argue against suggestions that Conde is in the process of posting her best ever season in the competition. She is shifting through the gears impressively and that is evidenced by her November MVP honor. If ZVVZ USK Praha meet their potential and ride their way to Final Six and push for the title itself, then surely Conde will be at the center of this quest. That means being named MVP is within reach.
3. Iliana Rupert - CBK Mersin (+3)
Center
Average Stats: 18.8 EFF; 13.0 PPG; 8.8 RPG; 2.8 APG
The French center is turning up the dial lately. She's growing in influence for CBK Mersin, who are yet to taste defeat and will fancy their chances of continuing their unbeaten start when the Second Round resumes. Rupert has been an absolute rock and is proof that your numbers don't have to be absolutely eye-popping to be an architect of success. The Turkish club are likely to be in the shake-up for silverware and so she will be looking to continue impressing.
4. Janelle Salaun - Beretta Famila Schio (-2)
Forward
Average Stats: 18.8 EFF; 16.8 PPG; 5.8 RPG; 2.7 APG; 2.2 APG
The French national team forward might have fallen a couple of spots in the race, but that is no huge reflection on her effort and impact on a Schio side that has its eyes fixed firmly on Final Six. It was always going to be impossible to maintain the staggering level she set in those scorching opening few games when she was simply unstoppable. A class act, Salaun remains a heartbeat for her team and if the Italian side pushes for success, she will right there at the front.
5. Gabby Williams - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding (-)
Forward
Average Stats: 17.0 EFF; 11.7 PPG; 4.5 RPG; 4.2 APG; 2.2 SPG
It's no change in position for Williams who has not yet caught fire quite like we all know she can. But as we get closer to season crunch time, it would not be a surprise to anyone if she does - and in a big way. At both ends of the floor she can dominate for Fenerbahce with her defensive efforts or clutch plays and that is why even thinking about her falling out of the top five is not on the agenda. Watch out for her making more noise when the action resumes.
6. Brionna Jones - ZVVZ USK Praha (new)
Center
Average Stats: 20.0 EFF; 16.5 PPG; 7.0 RPG; 1.5 SPG
7. Natasha Howard - CBK Mersin (new)
Forward
Average Stats: 18.7 EFF; 18.2 PPG; 6.2 RPG
8. Kariata Diaby - Tango Bourges Basket (new)
Forward
Average Stats: 19.7 EFF; 13.7 PPG; 9.2 RPG
9. Alina Iagupova - Valencia Basket Club (new)
Guard
Average Stats: 11.5 EFF; 12.0 PPG; 4.7 APG; 3.5 RPG
10. Stephanie Mavunga - Valencia Basket Club (new)
Forward
Average Stats: 14.3 EFF; 10.2 PPG; 7.8 RPG
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.