MUNICH (Germany) - Juste Jocyte, Leila Lacan and Carla Leite have been revealed as finalists for the EuroLeague Women Rising Star award.
They are all in contention for the distinguished accolade after finishing in the top three of voting conducted by EuroLeague Women coaches, players, selected media and the fans.
Lithuanian ace Jocyte has been a leading light in Spar Girona making the Final Six for the first time, while Lacan has been a driving force behind Basket Landes taking their maiden ticket.
Leite has also featured prominently in Casademont Zaragoza taking a historic step and grabbing their debut spot on home soil. This season, players born in 2004 and later were eligible for the award.
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.
Juste Jocyte (Spar Girona)
Guard
Birth Date: November 19, 2005 (20 years old) Height: 1.84m (6ft 0in)
Stats: 28.3 MPG / 11.9 PPG / 4.4 APG / 3.6 RPG / 12.0 EFF
It's no coincidence that the arrival of Jocyte intersects with Spar Girona posting a historic and best ever season in the competition. They have been outstanding, with Jocyte central to this and handed more minutes than any other young gun on this list. She responded with her trademark scoring touch and creative skills to shine brightly.
Leila Lacan (Basket Landes)
Guard
Birth Date: June 2, 2004 (21 years old) Height: 1.81m (5ft 11in)
Stats: 22.6 MPG / 12.6 PPG / 3.0 APG / 2.9 RPG / 11.8 EFF It's been a dream season for Basket Landes and Lacan has been central to their fabulous and historic campaign which has seen them make the Final Six for the first time. The guard's contributions are underlined by her winning the January MVP honor and also scoring more points than any other rising star - as well as impressing defensively too.
Carla Leite (Casademont Zaragoza)
Guard
Birth Date: April 16, 2004 (21 years old) Height: 1.75m (5ft 8in)
Stats: 21.8 MPG / 10.3 PPG / 2.8 APG / 1.4 RPG / 8.4 EFF There was a lot of pressure and expectation on the shoulders of Leite when she arrived to the competition having been named EuroCup Women Finals MVP last season. The young guard has adapted well and been a core part of taking Zaragoza to their first Final Six. Her scoring punch and clutch ability has been vital on a rollercoaster ride.
FIBA