For the third consecutive year, RealGM presents the most outstanding players of Euroleague.

Victor Khryapa of CSKA Moscow is the winner of the RealGM Euroleague MVP award for the 2012-13 season. The 30-year-old forward has improved all of his main statistical numbers this season, averaging 10 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Khryapa has also helped his team, which holds a 23-5 record this season, to defeat Caja Laboral Vitoria in the playoffs to reach the Final Four.

For the second consecutive year, the RealGM Euroleague MVP award was given to a Russian player, as the winner of last season's prize was Andrei Kirilenko of CSKA Moscow.

The RealGM All-Euroleague First Team consists of Montepaschi's Bobby Brown and Olympiacos' Vassilis Spanoulis at guard, Khryapa and Maccabi's Shawn James at forward and CSKA's Nenad Krstic at center.

The RealGM All-Euroleague Second Team includes guards Jordan Farmar of Anadolu Efes and Zoran Planinic of Khimki, forwards Rudy Fernandez and Nikola Mirotic of Real and center Ante Tomic of Barcelona Regal.

Paul Davis of Khimki Moscow region is the winner of the Euroelague Rookie of the Year Award, while Aron Baynes (formerly of Union Olimpija before joining the San Antonio Spurs) was the RealGM pick to win the Most Improved Played Award.

Georgios Bartzokas of Olympiacos was named as the 2012-13 Euroleague Coach of the Year, while Kyle Hines (also from Olympiacos) is the winner of the 2012-13 Euroleague Sixth Man of the Year Award.

Euroleague MVP

Victor Khryapa (CSKA)

All-Euroleague 1st Team

Bobby Brown (Montepaschi): 18.8 points, 5.3 assists in 33 minutes

Vassilis Spanoulis (Olympiacos) - 14.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 30 minutes

Victor Khryapa (CSKA) - 10 points (45% 3FG), 7.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 28 minutes

Shawn James (Maccabi): 11.5 points (64% 2FG), 6.5 rebounds in 24 minutes  

Nenad Krstic (CSKA) - 13.6 points (63% 2FG), 4.6 rebounds in 24 minutes

All-Euroleague 2nd Team

Jordan Farmar (Anadolu Efes): 13.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 30 minutes

Zoran Planinic (Khimki): 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 31 minutes

Rudy Fernandez (Real): 13.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 27 minutes

Nikola Mirotic (Real): 11.7 points, 5.5 rebounds in 25 minutes

Ante Tomic (Barcelona Regal) - 11.5 points (63% 2FG), 6.3 rebounds in 23 minutes

Sixth Man Award

Kyle Hines (Olympiacos) - 9.1 points, 5.9 rebounds in 20 minutes

Most Improved Player Award

Aron Baynes (Union Olimpija) - 13.8 points, 9.8 rebounds in 26 minutes

Coach of the Year

Georgios Bartzokas (Olympiacos)

Rookie of the Year

Paul Davis (Khimki)

All-Rookie 1st Team

Paul Davis (Khimki) - 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds in 20 minutes

Ricky Hickman (Maccabi) - 13.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 29 minutes

Blake Schilb (Elan Chalon) - 15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4 assists in 33 minutes

Marcus Williams (Unicaja) - 10.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 22 minutes

Shelden Williams (Elan Chalon) - 11.3 points, 7.6 rebounds in 23 minutes

All-Rookie 2nd Team

Drew Gordon (Partizan) - 9.1 points, 7.5 rebounds in 29 minutes

Lukasz Koszarek (Asseco Prokom) - 11.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4 assists in 30 minutes

Kelvin Rivers (Khimki) - 9.6 points, 2.7 rebounds in 26 minutes

Dashaun Wood (Alba) - 9.8 points, 2.5 assists in 24 minutes

Maik Zirbes (Brose Baskets) - 8.2 points, 5 rebounds in 20 minutes

- All records and stats through Game 10 of Top-16.

1. Aron Baynes - Union Olimpija Ljubljana

2012-13 (Euroleague): 13.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 26 minutes

2011-12 (Greek League): 13.6 points, 8.7 rebounds in 28 minutes

In his Euroleague debut season three years ago, Aron Baynes averaged more fouls per game than rebounds and blocked shots combined. Baynes' first coach in Europe, Rimas Kurtinaitis said "if a Russian can teach a bear how to ride a bike, then we'll make something out Aron as well".

After spending two seasons in Germany, Greece and gaining experience playing in the Eurocup, Baynes got back to the strongest European competition as a mature and a decisive player. The Australian leads the league in rebounds (9.8 per game), averaged nearly a double-double this season and was influential on both ends of the floor. It didn't take long for Baynes to get noticed by the San Antonio Spurs, who bought out the 26-year-old center's contract with Union Olimpija.

2. Shawn James - Maccabi Tel Aviv

2012-13 (Euroleague): 11.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 23 minutes

2011-12 (Euroleague): 2.6 points, 2.4 rebounds in 8 minutes

After the departure of Richard Hendrix and Sofoklis Schortsanitis, the 29-year-old Shawn James sought an opportunity to step up and become an impact player for Maccabi. James perfectly used this chance and had a breakout season as he became one of the most efficient players in the Euroleague.

James ranks 2nd in the league in blocks per 28 minutes (2.2), 2nd in field goals percentage (67.1) and 3rd in average performance index rating per 28 minutes (PIR, 22.1). The NCAA All-Time leader in blocks per game (6.5 in 2005-06), James continues to play strong in the Top 16 stage and has enough potential to carry Maccabi to the Top 8 by himself.

3. Nemanja Bjelica - Caja Laboral Vitoria

2012-13 (Euroleague): 10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds in 24 minutes

2011-12 (Euroleague): 4.8 points, 2.1 rebounds in 14 minutes

Nemanja Bjelica's transition from his previous team, Crvena Zvezda to Caja Laboral was not as smooth as expected. It took a while until Bjelica earned more playing time and finally proved himself to be one of the most talented European players.

The 25-year-old Bjelica doubled his main statistical numbers compared to last season and made at least one three-pointer in his last 12 Euroelague games. Also, the forward played his career-best game in the Euroleague against Cedevita this season, scoring 22 points (9-for-10 FG), grabbing three rebounds and dishing out three assists in 22 minutes of action. Bjelica, who often gets called the future star of the Serbian national team, has finally started to live up to expectations.

4. Curtis Jerrells - Besiktas Istanbul

2012-13 (Euroleague): 14.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 31 minutes

2011-12 (Euroleague): 8.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 21 minutes

Curtis Jerrells established himself as a Euroleague star in his third season overseas and proved he can lead a team in the strongest European competition. Playing under Erman Kunter, the former Baylor guard raised his value by becoming one of the best lefty point guards in Europe.

However, after succeeding in Europe, Jerells returned to the States, where he joined NBA D-League's Maine Red Claws and will try to draw attention from NBA teams. If things don't work out at home, many Euroleague team will surely want to sign Jerells.

5. Vladimir Lucic - Partizan Belgrade

2012-13 (Euroleague): 13.7 points, 4.8 rebounds in 33 minutes

2011-12 (Euroleague): 5.8 points, 2.4 rebounds in 22 minutes

No surprise, every year there must be at least one talents-making-machine Partizan player included in Euroleague most improved players list. No exception was made this season as 23-year-old Vladimir Lucic was ranked fifth.

Lucic is another product of Partizan basketball school, who is finally paying its dividend. After spending a year on Partizan bench, last season Lucic received a chance to become a member of the starting five. The Serbian talent was learning in a process rather than producing results, but this season Partizan got full return for all their trust in Lucic. The forward received most playing time among all Partizan players (33 MPG) and became the leader of the team.

6. Pietro Aradori - Mapooro Cantu

2012-13 (Euroleague): 15 points (57% 3FG), 4 rebounds in 30 minutes

2011-12 (Euroleague): 4.8 points, 2 rebounds in 10 minutes

Pietro Aradori made his name known in 2009-10, leading Biella in both Eurocup and Italian championship. However, since now, Aradori didn't have a chance to play a big role in Euroleague, as he previously was stuck on the bench twice with Armani Jeans and Montepaschi.

After leading the Italian national team, together with Danilo Gallinari, in qualification for EuroBasket 2013, Aradori had a very successful season in the Euroleague as well. The 24-year-old Aradori averaged 15 points per game and finished the season ranked 5th in terms of three-point shooting percentage (57%). A statement was made - Aradori might be a savior Italian basketball needs.

7. Jaka Blazic - Union Olimpija Ljubljana

2012-13 (Euroleague): 12.4 points, 4 rebounds in 20 minutes

2011-12 (Euroleague): 3.6 points, 2.4 rebounds in 14 minutes

A massive improvement of Jaka Blazic's game might be a huge surprise for European basketball fans, but those who followed Slovenian hoops closer have noticed changes a bit earlier. Blazic has been playing impressively since the second half of last season and smoothly carried his game to this Euroleague season.

Blazic, 22, is heading to his contract year with Union Olimpija and next season will have a chance to prove that this season wasn't a fluke and he's capable of putting big numbers consistently.

8. Ante Tomic - FC Regal Barcelona

2012-13 (Euroleague): 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 24 minutes

2011-12 (Euroleague): 6.7 points, 3.7 rebounds in 15 minutes

The reason why Ante Tomic is on this list is not the numbers he produces, which are similar to 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, or the results achieved by FC Regal Barcelona. No doubt, FC Regal Barcelona is currently the best team in Europe and Tomic is one of team's main strengths.

The consistency of Tomic in Euroleague Top 16 stage is the difference as the Croatian center constantly plays as an MVP on every game. Tomic became a game changer as he leads the Euroleague in plus-minus (+/-) rating with 13.1 points per 50 possessions. Tomic finished in double scoring figures in all ten Top 16 stage games so far and if the 25-year-old center maintains this pace, he has all the potential to be considered as a candidate to win MVP award in near future.

9. Mindaugas Kuzminskas - Zalgiris Kaunas

2012-13 (Euroleague): 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds in 12 minutes

2011-12 (Euroleague): 2.8 points, 1.3 rebounds in 8 minutes

Mindaugas Kuzminskas had been having a hard time getting playing time in the Euroleague, but when the opportunities arose, the 23-year-old forward was ready to strike and use them. In the second half of this season, Kuzminskas finally received a chance to show his skills on the big scene and those performances weren't left unnoticed.

Kuzminskas scored 15 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and finished the game with career-high 21 PIR against Unicaja. Last week Kuzminskas made more noise against Real as he registered career-high 16 points (7-for-7 FG) and attracted attention from Spanish teams, who will consider bringing Kuzminskas for the next season. In addition, with the departure of Tremmell Darden, Kuzminskas should receive more playing time in last four Top 16 games.

10. Kostas Papanikolaou - Olympiakos Piraeus

2012-13 (Euroleague): 8.5 points (50% 3FG), 4 rebounds in 22 minutes

2011-12 (Euroleague): 6.1 points (33% 3FG), 3.4 rebounds in 20 minutes

After spectacular performance in last year's Euroleague final, where Kostas Papanikolau scored 18 points (3-for-3 3FG) and helped Olympiakos win the Euroleague, the expectations for the 22-year-old forward were sky-high.

Papanikolau demonstrated impressive shooting range this year as he ranked 2nd in three-point shooting percentage in regular season (59%) and averaged 10.5 points per game in that period. The Greek talent has slowed down a bit in Top 16, but it's clear that Papanikolau's game steadily grows and the question how good Papanikolau can be remains unanswered.

As the Euroleague 2012-13 regular season hits the midway point, RealGM presents the ultimate positional rankings of the league's best players. In this edition, RealGM ranked the elite small forwards from one to ten.

1. Sonny Weems (CSKA Moscow, Russia)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Euroleague): 15.5 points, 5 rebounds.

Sonny Weems is probably one of the very few players who has benefited from the 2011 NBA lockout. After going overseas last summer, Weems quickly became a dominant power in European basketball and one of the best wings in Euroleague. However, the 26-year-old forward wasn't able to carry Zalgiris on his back last season, but now everything is different as Weems is on winning team and he has the opportunity to fully reach his potential in Europe.

2. Pete Mickeal (FC Barcelona Regal, Spain)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Euroleague): 9.2 points (55.2% 3FG), 4.1 rebounds.

The 34-year-old Pete Mickeal has seen it all throughout his long career. He had ups and downs with both Caja Laboral (former Tau Ceramica) and Barcelona teams, took part in many Euroleague final fours and knows what is like to be a Euroleague champion. Surprisingly, Mickeal was disappointing in last season's Final Four, as he scored only four points in both semifinal and final games (2-for-13 FG) and was one of the reasons why FC Barcelona Regal didn't make to the finals.

3. Andres Nocioni (Caja Laboral, Spain)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Spanish league): 11.1 points, 4.4 rebounds.

It's been nine years since we saw Andres Nocioni stepping onto the court in Euroleague. Now he's 33 and returning with eight years of NBA experience and ready to help Caja Laboral to get over the hump. Vitoria's team failed to make it out of the group last season and Nocioni could be the guy Caja Laboral has been missing. 

4. Bostjan Nachbar (Brose Baskets, Germany)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Euroleague): 4 points (50% 3FG), 2.4 rebounds.

Injuries have slowed down Bostjan Nachbar's career, but the 32-year-old Slovenian has been proving he still has fuel left in the tank this season. After being a role player for a few teams over the past couple of years, Nachbar has finally been afforded a huge role on his new Brose Baskets team. That is exactly what the forward needed as he's been averaging MVP worthy numbers - 18.5 points (40% 3FG), 4.5 rebounds. Clearly, Brose Baskets' potential is limited, but it's a perfect place for Nachbar to raise his value and get his confidence back.

5. Emir Preldzic (Fenerbahce Ulker, Turkey)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Euroleague): 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists.

Emir Preldzic has been known as one of the most promising young players in Europe, but not many believed he could start the 12-13 season with such a high note as he did against Khimki. The 25-year-old forward ended the season opener with career-high 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and career-high 31 index ranking points. After performance like that, Fenerbahce Ulker fans expect nothing but a breakout season from Preldzic.

6. Malik Hairston (EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Italy)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Euroleague): 13.9 points (48% 3FG), 3.1 rebounds.

In his second season in Euroleague, the 25-year-old Malik Hairston proved himself as a terrific scorer and an offensive threat for any European powerhouse. A bit underrated, Hairston is currently the second best three-pointer shooter in the league (64% 3FG) and averages 14 points per game so far. Inconsistency has been a problem for Hairston, but his high-caliber teammates like Keith Langford and Ioannis Bourousis should help him to get over those bad nights.

7. Bojan Bogdanovic (Fenerbahce Ulker, Turkey)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Euroleague): 13 points, 2.2 rebounds.

After a sensational 10-11 Euroleague season with Cibona Zagreb, there was a question how quick Bojan Bogdanovic would adapt to his new situation with Fenerbahce Ulker. Eventually, Bogdanovic didn't have any problems in Istanbul and became one of the key players in the early stage of the season. At the age of 22, Bogdanovic is playing his fourth Euroleague season and has an important role in Fenerbahce Ulker. No doubt, the sky is the limit for this talent, who might soon join the New Jersey Nets.

8. Mickael Gelabale (Cedevita Zagreb, Croatia)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Eurocup): 4.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists.

Over the last few years, Mickael Gelabale's career was going downhill as he saw only 15 minutes of action on average last season with Khimki. It's a different situation for him in Croatia, where Gelabale demonstrates he can be as productive as he was in his early days. The former member of the Seattle Sonics averages 14 points and 4.3 rebounds in this Euroleague season and reminds that he still belongs to the elite small forwards club.

9. Krunoslav Simon (Unicaja Malaga, Spain)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Euroleague): 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists.

It wasn't unexpected to see Krunoslav Simon leading small-budget Zagreb, where he spent his whole career since he was a junior, in the Euroleague tournament last season, but his easy transition to Unicaja is worth being mentioned. The 27-year-old Croatian is the second best scorer on the team, averaging 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds, and establishes himself as a Euroleague level player.

10. Jonas Maciulis (Panathinaikos Athens, Greece)

Statistics in 2011-12 (Italian league): 7.3 points.

The 27-year-old Jonas Maciulis has been out of Euroleague for a while, as he had to deal with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which kept him away from basketball for nine months. After a short stint with Montepaschi, Maciulis is back on the big scene and demonstrates the injury didn't impact his game at all. Lately, Maciulis became one of the leaders of rebuilt Panathinaikos and over the time his role might keep growing.