By Alex Molina / amolina@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague Players Association (ELPA) has announced the winners of its 2026 Players’ Choice Awards, with Jean Montero, Tornike Shengelia and Thomas Walkup receiving recognition from their fellow players for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship during the season.
Jean Montero was voted the 2026 ELPA Players’ Choice “Best Newcomer”, collecting an impressive 57% of the votes. The young guard earned widespread recognition after an outstanding debut EuroLeague campaign with Valencia Basket, quickly establishing himself as one of the competition’s brightest rising stars. His impact, maturity and consistent performances throughout his first season made him the clear choice among his peers.
2026 ELPA Players’ Choice Award “BEST NEWCOMER” goes to @jeanmontero03 🙌
With 57% of the votes.🔎 Best performing player in his first EuroLeague season.
Sponsored by @freenowbylyft 🤝
🎨 by @nevernotawkward #ELplayers pic.twitter.com/WTBl7Gep4U— EuroLeague Players Association (@the_ELPA) June 15, 2026
Veteran forward Tornike Shengelia received the 2026 ELPA Players’ Choice “Most Respected Player” award with 41% of the votes. One of the EuroLeague’s most admired figures, Shengelia was recognized not only for his leadership and competitive excellence but also for the respect he commands across the league after years of performing at the highest level.
2026 ELPA Players’ Choice Award “MOST RESPECTED PLAYER” goes to @TokoShengelia23 🙌
With 41% of the votes.Sponsored by @freenowbylyft 🤝
🎨 by @nevernotawkward #ELplayers pic.twitter.com/GaUn6zLwtS— EuroLeague Players Association (@the_ELPA) June 15, 2026
Meanwhile, Thomas Walkup became the recipient of the 2026 ELPA Players’ Choice “Fair Play” award, earning 26% of the votes. The distinction celebrates integrity, respect and exemplary sportsmanship on and off the court, values that Walkup has consistently embodied throughout his EuroLeague career and in a season where he won the title with Olympiacos.
First 2026 ELPA Players’ Choice Award “FAIR PLAY” goes to @twalkup23 🙌
With 26% of the votes.Sponsored by @freenowbylyft 🤝
🎨 by @nevernotawkward #ELplayers pic.twitter.com/uErE1kQdMX— EuroLeague Players Association (@the_ELPA) June 15, 2026
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