Meesseman handed EuroLeague Women March MVP award

MUNICH (Germany) - Emma Meesseman has been recognised for her stellar work with Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding by being named MVP for March.

The Belgian forward takes the award after some typically classy performances during the month, which were instrumental in helping the tournament frontrunners continue their winning streak and move to within two wins of a historic first ever title at the Final Four.

"It’s been great - obviously throughout the season we had to adapt quite some times with new players coming late, but every time it made us stronger and in every game there was more rhythm and team play," said Meesseman.

At the start of March, Fenerbahce had wrapped up their Regular Season on a high with a 12th consecutive success as they completed a hard-fought 90-79 win on the road at Tango Bourges Basket. Meesseman went to work and finished with an eye-catching 17 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Meesseman then starred in a one-sided 82-62 victory against Sopron Basket in the first game of the Quarter-Finals; putting last year's champions to the sword with another all-action effort of 15 points, 6 boards, 4 assists and 4 steals.

She then helped punch that precious Final Four ticket in the second of the three-game series by adding 16 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks as Fenerbahce repeated the 82-62 scoreline, this time on the road.

Those three outings in March served to produce a performance efficiency valuation of 24.7 per outing for Meesseman; founded on an average of 16.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.7 steals per game.

Meesseman is no stranger to individual honors and was a Final Four MVP when with UMMC,  but now it's all eyes on the main prize from a team perspective as Fenerbahce look to make the most of the momentum they have behind them right now.

"Our first goal was bringing Fener back to the Final Four and so now I certainly hope we can fulfill our second goal.

"As for me personally, coming to this new team after having been in Ekaterinburg has been easier than I expected it to be. Of course, it helps that I already knew some players, but Fener really welcomed me with open arms and I am happy that I get to have this big role with the team."

Meesseman was crowned Final Four MVP in 2018 and has won the EuroLeague Women title three times

Meesseman continued, "Being named the favorites does not really mean anything to me.

"Nobody gets a prize for just being that. I have been to enough Final Four tournaments to realize that anything can happen - it’s win or go home.

"All teams will be at their best for those games, so we will have to be ready for that, basketball wise but also mentally. The Semi-Final against Schio will be a beautiful battle I think. They are a good team that also has proved to be present in big games."

The Final Four takes place from April 14-16 as Meesseman and Fenerbahce head to the home of ZVVZ USK Praha in search of an elusive first title in the competition for the club.

FIBA