By George Orfanakis/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2018-2019 season is in full swing and after the completion of the first 11 rounds, there are certain teams and athletes that have stood out.
With the help of 5 specific criteria, Eurohoops presents for the second time the race for the MVP award as it currently stands. Take another look at the rankings in the first MVP Ladder of the season.
The criteria that were used are the following:
Player’s performance: The individual performance in combination with the demands that existed before the start of the season greatly affect 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 the 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 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.
At this point, we should note that, aside from the 5 criteria that were just outlined, the subjective factor also influences the final choices to some extent.
10. Tornike Shengelia
Player’s performance: 8
Team’s course: 6
Player’s role: 9
Consistency: 9
Leadership: 10
Total: 42
KIROLBET Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz will host this season’s Final Four, but if they want to be there as hosts, they will have to improve their performance considerably. Of course, the same goes for their big leader, Tornike Shengelia!
The Georgian power forward has put up some excellent performances, as against Panathinaikos OPAP Athens and CSKA Moscow, which led Baskonia to victories, but he’s lacking consistency. Even so, averaging 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals, Shengelia contributes a great deal in many different areas and confirms that he’s one of the best players in his position.
For now, he’s at No.10 in the race for the MVP award, which will be difficult to change as long as Baskonia remains out of playoffs position.