The penultimate MVP Ladder: Which players are making late moves?

MUNICH (Germany) - The fourth MVP Ladder of the EuroLeague Women Regular Season has dropped and there are plenty of talking points as the race enters the final stretch.

The penultimate edition of the campaign sees a new entry, a big move upwards by the December MVP, while an intense top-three battle rages on.

Here's how the list looks with just one more ladder to go after this:

1. Kahleah Copper - Perfumerias Avenida (+2)

GUARD/FORWARD 

Average Stats: 26.0 PPG; 5.3 RPG; 1.8 APG; 23.7 EFF 

A new entry onto the ladder in the previous edition, the influence of Copper has been huge on Avenida, who continue to look like bonafide Final Four material. The WNBA Final MVP started on fire as she exploded with a number of scores in excess of 25 points and even if her scoring dial has been turned down slightly during most recent games, the defensive attention she demands from opponents is huge and helps Avenida exploit other opportunities. You sense she has the confidence, swagger, talent and mojo to possibly lead the Spanish team to another Final. Most interestingly, even though she is a centerpiece, she conducts her business with a strong team ethic.

2. Jonquel Jones - UMMC Ekaterinburg (-1)

CENTER

Average Stats: 15.1 PPG; 8.8 RPG; 2.8 APG; 1.3 BPG; 21.8 EFF 

It's only a one-place drop and mainly because of the work of Copper who jumped to the top spot. Nonetheless, Jones remains highly likely to climb back to the top of the ladder as the UMMC star remains a do-it-all tour de force for the reigning champions. Since the previous ladder she posted a couple of modest games, but also reminded everyone of her capabilities with a glorious 20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocks against ZVVZ USK Praha. 

3. Kayla McBride - Fenerbahce Safiport (-1)

SHOOTING GUARD

Average Stats: 20.0 PPG; 5.0 RPG; 3.1 APG; 21.1 EFF

Still the main source of offense for Fenerbahce Safiport, McBride was a big riser on the last ladder and even if she has moved down one place this time, she retains a prominent top-three position. Pouring in 26 points during the derby with Galatasaray, she has also handed out 5 assists per game recently. Plus, she's showing that she is not just about scoring and creating, but also does the dirty work on the glass too, with plenty of rebounds on her statline each week.

4. Brionna Jones - ZVVZ USK Praha (+5)

CENTER 

Average Stats: 19.8 PPG; 7.9 RPG; 1.8 APG, 1.8 SPG; 23.7 EFF 

It was a no-brainer that after stepping onto the ladder last time as a new entrant, Jones catapults herself into the top five, having been crowned the December MVP. In the past 4 games she has averaged more than 21 points per outing, shot more than 60 percent from the floor and mopped up on the boards for Praha. All that has contributed to Jones leading the competition in efficiency rating this season. 

5. Sandrine Gruda - Beretta Famila Schio (-)

CENTER

Average Stats: 14.2 PPG; 10.2 RPG; 2.5 APG; 20.5 EFF 

Gruda deservedly retains her top-five place as she is averaging a superb season double-double, as well as moving up in the modern era scoring and rebounding charts. That is a testimony to the impressive consistency the center has shown every month of the campaign. And, she may yet climb the ladder a little more since Beretta Famila Schio are enjoying a renaissance and sit in second place in Group B.

6. Alyssa Thomas - ZVVZ USK Praha (-2)

FORWARD

Average Stats: 13.4 PPG; 8.9 RPG; 6.0 APG; 2.2 SPG; 20.6 EFF 

7. Natasha Howard - Dynamo Kursk (-)

POWER FORWARD

Average Stats: 18.5 PPG; 52.4% FG; 10.2 RPG; 1.8 APG; 21.9 EFF 

8. Tina Krajisnik - Galatasaray (-2)

CENTER 

Average Stats: 17.6 PPG; 9.0 RPG; 2.5 APG; 22.1 EFF

9. Bernadett Hatar - Sopron Basket (-1)

CENTER 

Average Stats: 13.0 PPG; 59.3% FG; 8.5 RPG; 17.8 EFF 

10. Satou Sabally - Fenerbahce Safiport (new)

FORWARD

Average Stats: 14.4 PPG; 7.4 RPG; 2.2 APG; 20.2 EFF

Disclaimer: The MVP Ladder, 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 and do not reflect the view of FIBA.

FIBA