MUNICH (Germany) - With five weeks of EuroLeague Women action already under the belt, it's a great time to check back into the MVP Race and see who's flying and who's newly landed on the leaderboard.
Attention will soon be turning towards the Second Round of the competition as the curtain falls on the opening stage and that means the race for the ultimate individual accolade will only get even more intense.
With a stack of new contenders having already ridden their way into our new chart, it's a new-look field already and that only adds to the intrigue and excitement moving forward.
1. Iliana Rupert - Fenerbahce Opet (-)
Center
Average Stats: 19.6 EFF; 14.2 PPG; 6.4 RPG; 2.4 APG
The French center retains her number one slot after continuing her impressive form for the Istanbul giants. Their unbeaten status has had a lot to do with the performances of Rupert and she continues to lead the way in the race, but has she got what it takes to stay the course and still hold pole position in the final shake-up?
2. Klara Holm - Spar Girona (-)
Guard
Average Stats: 19.6 EFF; 11.8 PPG; 4.8 APG; 4.0 RPG; 3.0 SPG
It's been a wonderful season to date for the still flawless Spar Girona, with Holm very much the heartbeat of the team. Her do-it-all approach has seen her become a driving force, contributing so productively in almost all categories. If they continue on this trajectory and land at Final Six, then the Swedish ace could win the race.
3. Julie Allemand - Fenerbahce Opet (new)
Guard
Average Stats: 21.4 EFF; 8.2 PPG; 8.0 APG; 6.8 RPG
It's the highest new entry on the chart and certainly Allemand deserves huge credit for her displays and the way she has expertly pulled the strings in the Fenerbahce backcourt. Her 8.0 assists per game tally is the highest in the competition, while the Belgian standout is also doing a great job on the glass and shooting the ball efficiently too.
4. Kayla Alexander - Valencia Basket Club (new)
Center
Average Stats: 19.2 EFF; 14.6 PPG; 72.1 FG%; 5.6 RPG
The powerful frame of the Canadian center has been important for Valencia this season. Alexander has shot the lights out and her stunning field goal percentage of 72.1 percent speaks volumes. She's become a rock in the paint for her team and if Valencia want to emulate or better last season's historic run to the Semi-Finals, she'll be vital.
5. Dorka Juhasz - Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring (new)
Center
Average Stats: 17.9 EFF; 11.3 PPG; 8.6 RPG; 2.0 APG
Galatasaray are riding high and yet to lose a game in a highly enjoyable return to the competition. A big chunk of their success has been the threat posed and the consistency of their star center. Juhasz has been impactful and dropped anchor at both ends under the basket, putting in some big shows when the team has needed it most.
6. Mariam Coulibaly - Spar Girona (new)
Center
Average Stats: 18.8 EFF; 17.8 PPG; 6.4 RPG
Perhaps Coulibaly can be considered something of an unsung hero for Girona and so it's great to be able to deservedly shine a light on her efforts so far. Her strength inside has been integral to her team's perfection. A handful for opposing defenses, always taking smart shots and physically relentless, she's had a huge impact.
7. Kariata Diaby - Tango Bourges Basket (new)
Forward
Average Stats: 17.6 EFF; 13.4 PPG; 63.4 FG%; 6.2 RPG
It always looked likely that Diaby would again be the go-to player for Bourges and after a modest start in the first games, she has started flying like last season. Her power and intensity has given her team the edge they have needed inside and now with a Second Round ticket sealed, expect the forward to continue dominating.
8. Juste Jocyte - Spar Girona (new)
Guard
Average Stats: 17.4 EFF; 15.6 PPG; 4.4 APG; 3.2 RPG
A class act, Jocyte is now turning up the dial during this first and highly exciting campaign with Girona. While her colleagues have taken the limelight, the Lithuanian has retained her box-office qualities, while also adding hard numbers to her resume. Her scoring touch and creativity are sublime and she's just so great to watch for all fans.
9. Emma Meesseman - Fenerbahce Opet (new)
Forward
Average Stats: 16.0 EFF; 13.5 PPG; 5.3 RPG; 2.0 SPG
Could Meesseman really pull off a three-peat when it comes to being crowned MVP? Of course she could. And, you had better watch out for the Belgian legend growing in stature as the season unfolds. She'll shift through the gears for Fenerbahce and no doubt climb this chart in the direction of the summit during coming weeks and months.
10. Maria Conde - Beretta Famila Schio (-2)
Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Average Stats: 11.8 EFF; 10.8 PPG; 5.2 APG; 4.2 RPG
Even if the Spanish winger hasn't retained her absolute best form in recent weeks, Conde remains the main reason Schio could make a deep run and challenge for silverware. Her quality and experience are precious and you always get that sense that in the biggest games and when there is more and more on the line, she'll come up clutch.
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.