FIBA Basketball Announces EuroLeague Women Awards

ZARAGOZA, Spain – The EuroLeague Women Awards have celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of players, coaches, and clubs throughout the season. The awards ceremony, held at the first-ever Final Six in Zaragoza, Spain, recognized excellence across various categories, highlighting the pinnacle of women's basketball in Europe.
Emma Meesseman Crowned MVP for the Third Consecutive Year
Emma Meesseman of Fenerbahce Opet has been named the EuroLeague Women Most Valuable Player (MVP) for an unprecedented third season in a row. The Belgian star continued her dominant form, averaging a performance efficiency valuation of 22.8 with 17.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. "I am surrounded by great teammates," Meesseman said upon receiving the award, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry and happiness in achieving success. Meesseman held off competition from her teammate Gabby Williams and CIMSA CBK Mersin's Iliana Rupert, who were also finalists for the prestigious award.
All-EuroLeague Women Teams Announced
The All-EuroLeague Women Teams were officially announced during the EuroLeague Women Awards Ceremony, honoring 15 exceptional athletes for their outstanding performances. The composition of these teams reflects the season's top performers:
- First Team: Emma Meesseman (Fenerbahce Opet), Gabby Williams (Fenerbahce Opet), Iliana Rupert (CIMSA CBK Mersin), Alina Iagupova (Valencia Basket Club), and Maria Conde (ZVVZ USK Praha).
- Second Team: Yvonne Anderson (CIMSA CBK Mersin), Natasha Howard (CIMSA CBK Mersin), Julie Allemand (Fenerbahce Opet), Dorka Juhasz (Beretta Famila Schio), and Brionna Jones (ZVVZ USK Praha).
- Third Team: Pauline Astier (Tango Bourges Basket), Amy Okonkwo (Tango Bourges Basket), Janelle Salaun (Beretta Famila Schio), Valeriane Ayayi (ZVVZ USK Praha), and Mariona Ortiz (Casademont Zaragoza).
Gabby Williams Named Defensive Player of the Year
Gabby Williams of Fenerbahce Opet secured the EuroLeague Women Defensive Player of the Year award for the second time in her career. Williams, who previously won the award in 2021 with Sopron Basket, has been a force on the defensive end, averaging 2.8 steals per game. Her contributions were crucial in Fenerbahce's journey to the Final Six. Williams beat out Yvonne Anderson and Mariona Ortiz for the honor.
Iyana Martin Carrion Honored as Young Player of the Year
Iyana Martin Carrion of Perfumerias Avenida was named the EuroLeague Women Young Player of the Year after an impressive rookie season. The Spanish guard averaged 10.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, making a significant impact for her team. Martin Carrion follows in the footsteps of her teammate Sika Kone, who won the award last year. She edged out Leila Lacan and Matilde Villa for the award.
Ruben Burgos Recognized as Coach of the Year
Ruben Burgos of Valencia Basket Club was awarded the EuroLeague Women Coach of the Year award. Burgos guided Valencia to their best-ever EuroLeague Women finish, reaching the Semi-Finals for the first time in the club's history. He is the third Spanish coach to receive the honor, following Victor Lapena and Roberto Iniguez. Burgos was selected through a combination of votes from EuroLeague Women coaches, players, selected media, and fans.
Basket Landes Wins Club Excellence Award
Basket Landes received the EuroLeague Women Club Excellence Award, recognizing their outstanding performance across various areas, including digital communications, fan engagement, and game organization.
Laia Palau Receives Legacy Award
Laia Palau was honored with the EuroLeague Women Legacy Award for her remarkable achievements and contributions to the competition. Palau is the only player to have surpassed 1,000 milestones in points, rebounds, and assists. She holds the record for most appearances (277) and assists (1353) in EuroLeague Women history.