Basketball Champions League reveals early MVP contenders

The Basketball Champions League has released a list of early candidates for the MVP of the upcoming 2026-2027 season. The list includes both former and current players from the French league, with Marcus Keene, a former player for SIG Strasbourg, leading the rankings compiled by the competition's editors.

MVP selection is unofficial and based on performance

This ranking is not an official decision but an evaluation of the main players who could win the season's best player trophy, which will be awarded in May. The selection considers individual performances, team results, and how players influence crucial moments in games.

Marcus Keene leads with strong performance at Trabzonspor

Marcus Keene, now playing for Trabzonspor, has returned to the top of the list after a convincing start to the season. The American point guard averages 14 points and 6 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 56% from the field, 57% from three-point range, and 100% from free throws. He has also maintained possession well, losing only one ball in 50 minutes of playing time.

SIG Strasbourg's legacy with Marcus Keene

SIG Strasbourg fans remember Keene's strong offensive performances during his first stint in the 2022-2023 season, when he averaged 18.1 points per game in the BCL. Now with Trabzonspor, he aims to play a leading role in the competition once again.

Mohamed Diarra impresses with Cholet Basket

Mohamed Diarra, a French center playing for Cholet Basket, is ranked fourth in the MVP race. He averages 18.5 points and 8 rebounds per game, with a 70% success rate from three-point range. His presence has significantly improved the team's performance, with a +30 point differential when he is on the court.

Maxence Lemoine earns recognition as a young star

At SIG Strasbourg, Maxence Lemoine, a 2007-born point guard, is gaining attention. Ranked seventh in the MVP race, he has already made an impact with performances of 9 points and 9 assists against Legia Varsovie and 21 points and 5 assists against Galatasaray. He is also considered a top candidate for the best young player of the season.

Other top contenders include experienced players

Willy Hernangomez of Unicaja Malaga and Nicolas Laprovittola of Joventut Badalona are also among the top contenders. Hernangomez averages 16.5 points and 10 rebounds, while Laprovittola plays alongside Ricky Rubio, contributing to Joventut's efforts in the competition.

Top 10 in the BCL MVP Race

The current Top 10 in the BCL MVP race includes Marcus Keene (Trabzonspor), Willy Hernangomez (Unicaja Malaga), Nicolas Laprovittola (Joventut Badalona), Mohamed Diarra (Cholet Basket), Enoch Cheeks (Antwerp Giants), Joe Wieskamp (ALBA Berlin), Maxence Lemoine (SIG Strasbourg), Zoltan Perl (Falco Szombathely), Adama Sanogo (Hapoel Holon), and Gytis Radzevicius (Rytas Vilnius).