MUNICH (Germany) - Awak Kuier, Helena Pueyo and Gabby Williams have been unveiled as finalists for the EuroLeague Women Defensive Player of the Year award.
They are still in the race to land the coveted honor after finishing in the top three of voting conducted by EuroLeague Women coaches, players, selected media and the fans.
Galatasaray Cagdas Fakotoring have leaned on the defensive prowess of Kuier to fire them into the last four of the competition, with fan favorite Pueyo producing the goods for first-time Final Six participants Casademont Zaragoza.
Meanwhile last year's recipient of the award Gabby Williams is looking to secure her third crown in the category, having also scooped the accolade in 2021.
The winners of the EuroLeague Women Awards will be announced at a special ceremony at the EuroLeague Women Final Six in Zaragoza, Spain on Saturday, April 18.
Awak Kuier (Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring)
Center
Birth Date: August 19, 2001 (24 years old) Height: 1.94m (6ft 4in)
Stats: 12.8 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 1.9 APG / 1.6 BPG / 17.8 EFF The super strong return to the competition for Galatasaray has been built in a large part on the foundations offered by the size and defensive prowess of the Finnish center. Kuier has helped the Istanbul side reach the Semi-Finals, with her wing span, rebounding and ability to swat shots being key qualities. She leads the competiton in blocks.
Helena Pueyo (Casademont Zaragoza)
Small Forward
Birth Date: February 13, 2001 (25 years old) Height: 1.82m (5ft 11in)
Stats: 9.3 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.3 SPG / 13.5 EFF As Casademont Zaragoza prepare to take a historical step at their maiden Final Six, there will be few players receiving as much love as Pueyo. Her do-it-all approach is a prominent feature of her side's success and reflected in her numbers. On a team built on coming up with big defensive plays when it matters most, she really stands out.
Gabby Williams (Fenerbahce Opet)
Forward
Birth Date: September 9, 1996 (29 years old) Height: 1.80m (5ft 10in)
Stats: 14.9 EFF / 13.3 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 3.1 APG / 3.0 SPG
Hunting down a tremendous Defensive Player of the Year award treble, the forward is looking to add to her accolades from 2021 and 2025. An integral part of Fenerbahce's ride to the last four of the competition, her defensive capabilities including 3.0 steals per game is likely to continue fuelling their charge towards the title.
FIBA