MUNICH (Germany) - With the exciting push for a Final Six place intensifying, we're checking back into the MVP Race to see which leading ballers are on course to challenge for this season's ultimate individual honor.
As we head into Second Round crunch time, these leading lights will continue to be the biggest difference-makers in the competition.
With many more epic performances assured in the pipeline, there could be a few more twists and turns to come in this MVP Race. But as we briefly pause for breath, here's how it looks as we tip-off the action in this new calendar year.
1. Julie Allemand - Fenerbahce Opet (+2)
Guard
Average Stats: 21.1 EFF; 8.1 PPG; 8.1 APG; 7.1 RPG
Allemand has been electric for flawless Fenerbahce. Not far from the triple-double ball park, her points tally may not be huge, but she's shooting so well. Also dishing more than 8 dimes per game, her 7.1 boards are huge too. Her decision-making when scoring or creating has been top class and it's surely her finest EuroLeague Women season.
2. Iliana Rupert - Fenerbahce Opet (-1)
Center
Average Stats: 20.0 EFF; 15.1 PPG; 6.4 RPG; 2.3 APG
It's become a real battle between the Fenerbahce teammates for the number one spot and even if Rupert is down to the second podium step, it might not be where she stays. Her quality has been there from the first jump-ball and in what is also becoming her most impressive season to date, she could now end it by being crowned a champion.
3. Mariam Coulibaly - Spar Girona (+3)
Center
Average Stats: 21.5 EFF; 19.0 PPG; 8.1 RPG
From unsung hero to December MVP, the center is on fire and fully deserved to take the prestigious accolade last month. Her exceptional displays throughout the season have her top of the charts for both scoring and efficiency, which speaks volumes for her efforts. Spar Girona have been flying high and Coulibaly has been the centerpiece.
4. Dorka Juhasz - Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring (+1)
Center
Average Stats: 17.0 EFF; 12.5 PPG; 7.7 RPG
With Galatasaray still rollng strong and looking like inevitable Final Six competitors and maybe even silverware contenders, a lot of their best work has come through the classy Hungarian center. While her numbers might not be as eye-popping as others, her influence is huge. Juhasz can also be a matchup problem for her opponents.
5. Jessica Shepard - Beretta Famila Schio (new)
Center
Average Stats: 20.9 EFF; 15.1 PPG; 64.3 FG%; 9.0 RPG; 2.6 APG
A colossus for Schio, the center is averaging a near season double-double and provides a major headache for opponents with her mobility and power. Her finishing ability has been on show and as well as super work on the glass, Shepard has also showcased her overlooked court vision too. If Schio go deep, she will be the main reason.
6. Kayla Alexander - Valencia Basket Club (-2)
Center
Average Stats: 18.3 EFF; 13.6 PPG; 66.1 FG%; 6.0 RPG
Still a towering presence in the paint for Valencia on both ends of the floor, Alexander is continuing to give her team a solid foundation to build their challenge around. Her shot selection, rebounding and size remains so valuable to them and the Canadian looks a lock to continue with her standout season and eye-catching displays.
7. Klara Holm - Spar Girona (-5)
Guard
Average Stats: 16.0 EFF; 10.3 PPG; 3.9 APG; 3.7 RPG; 2.6 SPG
It was always unlikely the Swedish ace could maintain her devastating early season form which carried Spar Girona to so many wins. It's been a quiet few games for Holm of late as teams look to shut her down. However, she has the all-around game and skills to bounce back and re-discover the brilliance of those flawless opening weeks.
8. Emma Meesseman - Fenerbahce Opet (+1)
Forward
Average Stats: 17.9EFF; 13.4 PPG; 5.9 RPG; 2.9 SPG
Set to turn the screw heading into season crunch time, Meesseman will move through the gears as she continues to search for what would be an amazing MVP three-peat. Fenerbahce are stacked with talent and unbeaten, so the best work will be shared around, but few if anyone is better when it comes to clutch moments and leadership.
9. Juste Jocyte - Spar Girona (-1)
Guard
Average Stats: 16.8 EFF; 15.4 PPG; 4.8 APG; 3.5 RPG
The slight fall of one place doesn't underline any kind of significant drop off for the Lithuanian magician, who continues to be a driving force behind Spar Girona's excellent campaign. Her scoring and creative genius, as well as her capacity to entertain means she is more than capable of rocketing up the chart in these closing weeks.
10. Valeriane Ayayi - ZVVZ USK Praha (new)
Forward
Average Stats: 16.8 EFF; 15.9 PPG; 5.8 APG; 3.8 RPG; 1.6 SPG
It's been a season of relative struggle for the reigning champs, but if the holders do somehow cling on to their precious trophy or at least land a spot back at Final Six, they will have Ayayi to mainly thank. While the headlines have been the indifferent results, her contributions have been consistently impressive and kept their hopes alive.
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.