FIBA Basketball

    De Colo is Euroleague's January MVP

    MOSCOW (Euroleague) - France international Nando de Colo of CSKA Moscow has reminded everyone of how much basketball talent he possesses by being named the Turkish Airlines Euroleague bwin MVP for January.

    MOSCOW (Euroleague) - France international Nando de Colo of CSKA Moscow has reminded everyone of how much basketball talent he possesses by being named the Turkish Airlines Euroleague bwin MVP for January.

    De Colo was both steady last month, and dazzling.

    Back on the old continent after a difficult period in the NBA where he received little playing time in San Antonio and then Toronto, De Colo has flourished at CSKA, helping them go unbeaten in the Euroleague.

    In five January Euroleague games, he ranked among the 10 best Top 16 players in 11 different statistical categories.

    ...

    During a 22 January game against Unicaja Malaga, De Colo was exceptional.

    He poured in 28 points - the the most ever scored by a Euroleague player without a missed shot.

    The 27-year-old was 11 of 11 from the floor, including four of four from the three-point line.

    While De Colo, a combo guard, is hoping to lead CSKA to glory in both the Euroleague and the VTB United League, he also has an eye on his return to the France national team.

    He picked up an injury shortly before the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain and had to miss the tournament.

    De Colo nevertheless was among the French team's biggest fans when they played at the World Cup and finished third.

    He was especially happy when they stunned hosts Spain in the Quarter-Finals.

    France, a host nation for EuroBasket 2015, will be among the favorites for the title.

    They will clinch a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games with an appearance in the EuroBasket Final.

    De Colo has played for the senior team since their successful EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign.

    FIBA