By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
We evaluated the players – 10 being the highest score – in five different areas that can demonstrate the competitive value of each of them so far this season.
THE CRITERIA
Player’s performance: The individual performance in combination with the demands that existed before the start of the season greatly affects the decision as to who is the MVP. Certain players exceeded initial expectations and others confirmed they belong in the elite of European basketball.
Team’s course: Basketball is a team sport and if someone cannot convert their individual performances into wins for their team, then they automatically lose points in the race for the MVP.
Player’s role: How would each team perform if we automatically removed the MVP candidate from the squad? There are players who are the alpha and omega of their squad, with their key presence providing an advantage on the MVP Ladder.
Consistency: The performance of certain star players varies in big games. Some play consistently at… full throttle, without fluctuations. There are also players who specialize in making their teammates better in every game, even if they themselves don’t put up good numbers. As the season progresses, however, their value peaks.
Leadership: The biggest names in the EuroLeague have to step up when their team needs them. Their contribution in those moments – both in defense as well as in offense – can be as important as their overall numbers. This element, along with other leadership characteristics, adds points and is seriously taken into account when drafting the MVP Ladder.
Honorable mentions: Krunoslav Simon (Anadolu Efes Istanbul), Vladimir Lucic (FC Bayern Munich), Jordan Loyd (Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade), Kevin Pangos (Zenit St Petersburg)
#5 NANDO DE COLO
Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | Guard | June 23, 1987 | France
15,2 pts | 4,4 reb | 4,4 ast | 1,6 stl | 0 blk | 4,2 tov | 29:16 min | 18,6 PIR | 5 G
Player’s performance: 7
Team’s course: 7
Player’s role: 9
Consistency: 7
Leadership: 9
Total: 39
Contrary to what the consecutive defeats by CSKA Moscow (77-78 OT) and FC Bayern Munich (71-75) in Istanbul, and Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (82-68) in Greece, might indicate, Nando De Colo is one of those players who are trying not to let the changes that were made in the offseason have a negative impact on Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.
The 2016 MVP contributes in all areas and he’s 10th in points, 13th in assists and 6th in the PIR, a position which would be higher if he wasn’t also 1st in turnovers, the most he’s ever had in his career.