By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Sergio Rodriguez, Keith Langford, Sony Weems, Rudy Fernandez, Ante Tomic belong to first All Euroleague team, while Ricky Hickman, Vassilis Spanoulis, Viktory Khryapa, Nikola Mirotic, Stephane Lasme to the second All Euroleague team.
Euroleague announced the ten best players of the season and Eurohoops predicts that Rudy will get the MVP award. The winner will be announced in Milan but as we explain what each one of these ten players did during the season. it’s evident why Rudy has the advantage. Of course, you are free to leave your comments if you agree or disagree with our choice.
Euroleague’s regular season MVP
Rudy Fernandez
The failure in London made him stronger. He was the leader of Real in all the crucial games, had incredible playoffs and he made the difference in offense and defense, while being the embodiment of modern basketball that his team supports. He’s the king of the transition game and in this season his impact is clearly shown both to friends and enemies.
Season stats: 13.2 points (89% FTs, 54% 2ps, 35% 3ps), 4.2 reb., 3.3 ass., 1.4 st., 27 min per game
First Euroleague team
Sergio Rodriguez
He could be named as Euroleague MVP, but he didn’t play well in the playoffs and his teammate, Rudy deserves more the award. The sixth man of Madridistas improved his creative and shooting skills in a level that made Real almost a different team with and without him.
Season stats: 13.5 points (89% FTs, 51% 2ps, 49% 3ps), 1.8 reb., 5 ass., 1.2 st., 23 min per game
Sony Weems
His pure scoring talent met Messina’s mind and the result was the best season in Weems’ career judging by his impact to the team and not only numbers. CSKA didn’t have plenty of players who shined consistently and Weems was a bright exception.
Season stats: 12.6 points (77% FTs, 50% 2ps, 38% 3ps), 3.5 reb., 3.6 ass., 0.9 st., 29 min per game
Keith Langford
The top scorer of the Euroleague led Milan to the playoffs but not to the Final Four. He was the main reason that his team reached the second place in its Top 16 group standings and he created an excellent combination with Daniel Hackett and alongside Jerrells a really attractive back court.
Season stats: 17.6 points (76% FTs, 48% 2ps, 36% 3ps), 3.4 reb., 2.9 ass., 0.6 st., 30 min per game
Ante Tomic
He’s the modern version of a seven footer who can dominate the game with his skills and not only with gis height. The Croatian center scored and created for his teammates and was the cornerstone of Barcelona in Top 16 and the playoffs. His consistency was also remarkable.
Season stats: 11.8 points (68% FTs, 63% 2ps), 6.3 reb., 2.2 ass., 0.5 st., 22 min per game
Second Euroleague Team
Ricky Hickman
He exploded in the playoffs against Milan! He made three excellent games and led his team to Milan. He was the mind of Maccabi trying always to create and he scored mostly by penetrating. His numbers are worse than last season but he helped more his team by taking the right decisions and being the go to guy the right moment.
Season stats: 12.2 points (75% FTs, 52% 2ps, 32% 3ps), 2.5 reb., 2.8 ass., 0.8 st., 28 min per game
Vassilis Spanoulis
The last two seasons he won two Euroleague titles, two MVP Final Four awards and one regular season award. This season he didn’t reach the Final Four but he was once again the leader of Olympiacos. He did everything he could but Real was stronger in Game 5.
Season stats: 15.1 points (74% FTs, 51% 2ps, 34% 3ps), 2 reb., 4.6 ass., 0.4 st., 28 min per game
Nikola Mirotic
After four seasons in Euroleague he’s more mature and can make the difference. He’s a scoring machine and the way to the NBA is wide open. Do you know many big men with his 3ps%? He ranked first in the regular season with 64%!
Season stats: 12.2 points (81% FTs, 54% 2ps, 46% 3ps), 4.6 reb., 1.2 ass., 1.1 st., 24 min per game
Viktor Khryapa
This was one his poorest seasons in his Euroleague career according to the numbers, but once again he was the glue that CSKA needed to go further. After an average regular season he emerged as his usual self in the Top 16 and the playoffs. As always his ranking was double than his points.
Season stats: 6,6 points (66% FTs, 55% 2ps, 39% 3ps), 5.2 reb., 4.2 ass., 0.9 st., 24 min per game
Stephane Lasme
The tower of Panathinaikos confirmed for the second season in row that he’s among the top big guys with excellent defensive skills. The Gabonese center cooperated perfectly with Diamantidis and thanks to his superb performance during the first round of the Top 16, the Greens got a place in the playoffs.
Season stats: 8.9 points (83% FTs, 52% 2ps), 4.8 reb., 0.6 ass., 0.8 st., 21 min per game