Vezenkov MVP of the Euroleague; Hezonja and Tavares also awarded

The 2026 Players Choice Awards by the Euroleague Players Association have crowned the undisputed protagonists of the continental season. The exclusive voting among the competitors offers a unique perspective on who has made the biggest impact on the European courts during the 2025-26 cycle.

Sasha Vezenkov, a 30-year-old forward from Olympiacos, has won the Most Valuable Player award with a resounding vote: 34% of his teammates chose him for this distinction. His offensive efficiency and the overall impact he generates in his team's game thoroughly justify the recognition. The Greek player has proven to be a decisive factor in the competition, combining shooting accuracy, offensive mobility, and consistency throughout the season.

This marks Vezenkov's second Euroleague MVP, underscoring his evolution as one of the top European basketball players. Additionally, Olympiacos' forward is on track to secure his first Euroleague title, solidifying an exceptional season in both individual and collective terms. The voting reflects that players from across the competition acknowledge the differential value Vezenkov brings to every game.

In the defensive category, Walter Tavares has clearly emerged as the league's top defender. The center received 30.3% of the votes, solidifying his status as the most effective player in protecting the rim. His ability to control the paint, block shots, and disrupt opposing offenses places him at a different level within European basketball.

Tavares represents the epitome of the modern defender: versatile, with intimidating physical presence, and the ability to influence the game without accumulating personal fouls. His defensive impact is so significant that Euroleague players themselves recognize him as the most determining factor in this tactical aspect. This distinction reinforces the strategic importance he holds for his team, where he acts as a fundamental defensive anchor.

Hezonja shines under pressure

Mario Hezonja, a Real Madrid teammate, has clinched the Most Decisive Player award with 32.3% of the votes. This recognition applauds his ability to perform at his best in the most pressure-filled moments of the game, when intensity is at its peak and margins for error are minimal. Hezonja has repeatedly showcased his reliability in crunch time situations, providing offensive solutions when his team needs them most.

The 32.3% vote reflects near-unanimous consensus among competitors on his composure in decisive moments. His ability to maintain focus, execute defensively, and create spaces offensively makes him an essential player in the final stretches of closely contested matches. Such intangible qualities are especially valued by those sharing the court with him.

Recognitions for specialized roles and young talents

Beyond the three main distinctions, the Players Association has extended recognitions to various specialties and categories. Jordan Nwora has been honored as the Most Improved Player with 33% of the votes, reflecting a substantial improvement in his performance during the season. Trey Lyles, on the other hand, has clinched the Best Sixth Man award with 38.5% of the votes, highlighting his contributions off the bench and his ability to shift dynamics when entering the court.

Young basketball has also had its spotlight in this awards ceremony. Sergio De Larea has dominated the Under-22 category with a spectacular 73.4% of the votes, winning the Best Young Player award. This almost unanimous vote indicates that competitors see extraordinary potential and a clear path to the forefront of European basketball in him. Jean Montero, meanwhile, has secured the accolade for Best Revelation Player with 57% of the votes, confirming that his emergence in the Euroleague has been of high quality.

Tornike Shengelia has been titled the Most Respected Player with 41% of the votes, a recognition of his leadership, professionalism, and exemplary behavior on and off the court. Finally, Thomas Walkup has garnered the Fair Play award with 26% of the votes, acknowledged for his sportsmanship and competitive spirit within the boundaries of the regulations. These complementary awards underscore the importance the Players Association places on values beyond purely statistical performance.

Overall, the 2026 Players Choice Awards offer an accurate portrayal of who has been the protagonists of an intense and competitive season in the Euroleague. The exclusive voting among athletes provides a privileged insight into European basketball, allowing the competitors themselves to define who deserves the highest recognition.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Vezenkov MVP de la Euroliga; Hezonja y Tavares también galardonados