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RealGM's 2012-13 Euroleague Awards

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

Euroleague Rookie Ladder

- All records and stats through Game 13 of Top-16. 

1. Blake Schilb - Elan Chalon-sur-Saone (France)

15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4 assists in 33 minutes.

Former Loyola star Blake Schilb had a dream Euroleague debut season, averaging MVP-award-worth 15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. The 29-year-old forward had a major role in Elan Chalon-sur-Saone, where he averaged 32 minutes per game (3rd most in the league) and brought his team to the doorstep of Top 16. Moreover, he also leads the Euroleague in ORAT rating (the difference between his team's scored and allowed points per 100 possessions) - Elan Chalon-sur-Saone scored 24.2 points more while Schilb was on the court.

Schilb successfully used his versatility and made himself best known in regular season's game 9, when he finished the game against Montepaschi with 28 points, seven boards and five assists. Schilb's career game secured him an MVP of the week award and helped him to climb to the top of Euroleague rookie rankings.

2. Paul Davis - Khimki Moscow region (Russia)

13.4 points and 5.5 rebounds in 20 minutes.

Paul Davis is not only one of the best rookies in the Euroleague this season, but undoubtedly he should also be considered as one of the most productive players in the league as well. Formerly of the Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards, Davis, together with Panathinaikos' Sofoklis Schortsanitis, ranks 1st in terms of scoring in 50 possessions (19 points).

Davis, a very crafty big man, usually comes of Khimki's bench and becomes a difference maker when Moscow region team needs it most. Davis excelled in Top 16 stage as he finished in double digits in all 13 games so far and lately has been producing an MVP worth numbers.

3. Ricky Hickman - Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3 assists in 28 minutes.

Hungary, Romania, Germany, Finland, Italy - journeyman Ricky Hickman played for many different level teams in various countries prior getting a chance to finally taste Euroleague basketball. But his patience definitely paid off as Hickman quickly became one of the key players for Maccabi, even though he didn't have any previous experience playing neither in Eurocup nor Euroleage.

Hickman, averaging 13.9 points per game, has been one of the biggest offensive threats in the league, as he also ranks 3rd in received fouls per game (5.3). At the same time, the fact he's playing meaningful minutes on a Top 8 contender gives him an edge over other rookies. 

4. Shelden Williams - Elan Chalon-sur-Saone (France)

11.3 points and 7.6 rebounds in 23 minutes.

Before Shelden Williams made his debut in Europe, there was a question will he become another Euroleague bust coming from the benches of the NBA? However, it didn't take long for former Duke standout to silence those who questioned his abilities, as Williams immediately became a very productive Euroleague player.

Williams quickly established himself as an elite rebounder, ranking 3rd in rebounds (7.6) and 2nd in offensive rebounds (3.1). No surprise, Williams' performance didn't remain unnoticed and Fenerbahce Ulker made an effort to bring 6-foot-9 center for the Top 16 stage, but Williams remained in France for the rest of the season.

5. Marcus Williams - Unicaja Malaga (Spain)

10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 22 minutes.

Marcus Williams is another veteran American player who has succeeded by using his six-year professional experience in either the NBA, Russia or China. The 27-year-old playmaker instantly contributed, helping Unicaja to have a great 7-1 start in Euroleague, while Williams played big minutes replacing starting point guard Earl Calloway during that stretch.

However, Williams established himself as one of the best lefty point guards in the league, who is not afraid to shoot from beyond the arc. Williams is ranked 3rd in made three-pointers (48) and hit three or more long distance shots in nine Euroleague games this season. Despite that, Williams has been too inconsistent on his debut season to prove he can be a starter on a winning team, as he failed to produce big numbers on a nightly basis.

6. Drew Gordon - Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

9.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in 29 minutes.

Partizan Belgrade is known as a great place not only for young European talents, but also for college graduates who want to kick-start their career in the Top European league. Oliver Lafayette, Curtis Jerrells and others made their name known with Partizan, and 22-year-old Drew Gordon is next on the list.

The former UCLA and New Mexico star, Gordon had a smooth transition to the European basketball style and successfully used his main weapons, rebounding and defensive skills. Due to his athleticism, Gordon ranked 4th in rebounds per game (7.5), 10th in blocks (1.1) and was one of the most influential players on the defensive end of the floor in the league. Despite that, his limited offensive game and poor results of Partizan kept him away from being ranked higher than 6th place in the Euroleague rookie ladder.

7. Leo Westermann - Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

9.6 points (43% 3FG), 2.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 29 minutes.

Gordon's teammate, Leo Westermann, is the youngest and the first non-American player in the Euroleague rookie ranking. Despite a rough Euroleague start, the 20-year-old guard quickly earned the trust of Partizan head coach Dusko Vujosevic and had a very rare a chance to learn by playing and making mistakes against the best.

As usual for young prospects, Westermann led the league in received personal fouls per game (3.7) and ranked 7th in turnovers (2.7). His first season in the elite competition didn’t answer any questions, as Westermann remains a future player of Partizan with two years left on his deal.

8. Dashaun Wood - Alba Berlin (Germany)

9.8 points (43% 3FG) and 2.5 assists in 24 minutes.

Dashaun Wood is clearly worthy of inclusion on this list as one of the Euroleague's Top 10 rookies this season, but things definitely could have gone better for the 27-year-old guard. After leading the Eurocup in assists (5.4) and averaging 14.2 points per game in the second top European competition, Wood expected to be a dominating offensive player in the Euroleague too.

In fact, after the departure of head coach Gordon Herbert, Wood had to face a decreased playing time, impacting his game, and his statistical numbers dropped to 9.8 points and 2.5 assists per game. On a better note, Wood proved to be an elite shooter, making 43% of his long distance shots, and he’s worth getting a new offer from a Euroleague team as his contract with Alba ends this season.

9. Nemanja Nedovic - Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania)

9.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23 minutes.

In his Euroleague debut season, Nemanja Nedovic reminded a yo-yo guy with many ups and downs. The 22-year-old guard had a slow start but after Darius Maskoliunas replaced Alexander Djikic as a new head coach of Lietuvos Rytas, Nedovic’s adjustment was accelerated by received more playing time.

In front of NBA scouts, Nedovic had a 1-for-9 shooting from the field performance against CSKA, 6-for-15 against FC Barcelona Regal and 3-for-15 versus Brose Baskets. Clearly, Nedovic remains a rough, athletically gifted talent, who, as most of young players, lacks consistency. Moreover, Nedovic proved to be more of a ‘work in progress’, rather than a player who could make a difference right away.

10. Kelvin Rivers - Khimki Moscow region (Russia)

9.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 26 minutes.

Kelvin Rivers, 26, spent three seasons in Eurocup prior joining Euroleague, but still struggled to adapt to the second best league in the world. Rivers, who once made eight three-pointers in a single NCAA game, has struggled from beyond the arc in the first half of the season, making only 23% of his long distance shots. However, the percentage rose by 27% in the Top 16 as Rivers made 24-of-48 three-pointers he took.

Khimki became dependent on Rivers scoring as Moscow region's team is 6-1 this season when Rivers scored 14 points or more. Still, Rivers game remains very unpredictable as for example, in the middle of Top 16, former Clemson star scored 16 points against Caja Laboral and went scoreless versus Olympiakos in the next week's game. Then Rivers put 14 points against Besiktas; again was held scoreless versus FC Barcelona Regal, and scored 19 against Montepaschi. 16-0-14-0-19 points performance best illustrates Rivers' roller-coaster ride in the Euroleague debut season.

Honorable Mentions: Lukasz Koszarek, Rasid Mahalbasic, Asseco Prokom; Miro Bilan, Cedevita.

Euroleague's Most Improved Players Of The 2012-13 Season

- 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.

Euroleague Power Rankings: Small Forwards

Sonny Weems, Pete Mickeal, Andres Nocioni, Bostjan Nachbar, Emir Preldzic, Malik Hairston, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mickael Gelable, Krunoslav Simon and Jonas Maciulis are the top small forwards in Euroleage this season.

24 Questions For The Start Of Euroleague

As the 12-13 Euroleague season begins, RealGM presents 24 questions for the Euroleague fans.

2012 Summer Olympics Preview: Group B

While Spain should control Group B, Russia and Brazil each have an opportunity to medal.

2012 Summer Olympics Preview: Group A

Team USA will be the favorite throughout the tournament, but Lithuania, Argentina and France figure to make noise in Group A, while Nigeria and Tunisia look to play the role of spoilers.

RealGM Interview: Jabari Parker Of Simeon

RealGM recently spoke with Jabari Parker, who shared his thoughts about 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship, international experience and his young career.

Reevaluating Ty Lawson's Time In Europe

Ty Lawson had a role player existence during his time for Zalgiris before emerging as one of the best young point guards in the NBA. We dig into the reasons why.

Euroleague Quarterfinals Preview

The top-8 teams from Spain, Greece, Israel, Italy and Russia are ready to begin the last stage to reach the 2012 Euroleague Final Four.

Europe Interview: Earl Rowland Of Unicaja Malaga

Earl Rowland has been rising the ranks in Europe and recently moved from the Latvian league to Unicaja Malaga in the ACB and Euroleague.

Euroleague MVP Race

We are in the middle of the Top-16 phase of Euroleague competition, which makes it an opportune time to check in on the favorites to win MVP.

Euroleague Power Rankings For Mid-December

With its regular season winding down, we evaluated and ranked all 24 Euroleague teams' performance over their first eight games and their perspective in future battles.

Europe Interview: Ty Lawson Of Zalgiris Kaunas

RealGM caught up with Ty Lawson in Lithuania for a one-on-one interview to discuss his life overseas, new experiences, Zalgiris, the NBA and more.

Europe Interview: Bostjan Nachbar

After spending the past few seasons in Europe, Bostjan Nachbar is willing to wait for the end of the lockout to make an NBA return.

Rewriting The History Of European Basketball

A few decades ago it was unthinkable to imagine players from the United States representing countries of the former Soviet Union, but several Americans are doing so proudly in the 2011 EuroBasket.

Previewing EuroBasket 2011

We kick off our start to finish coverage of EuroBasket 2011, with key storylines, predictions and names of players you should keep an eye on over the next few weeks.

Euroleague Free Agent Tracker, Version 1.0

While we're not sure when we will see an NBA free agency period, the Euroleague's version has already begun.

Interview With Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas recently sat down with RealGM for an extended interview, his one and only in the US before the NBA Draft.

D-League Versus Europe, Part II

While more money can be made in Europe, some current and former D-League players were pleased to receive the opporturnity to be seen by NBA scouts on a consistent basis and play in their home country.

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