Montero, Shengelia, and Walkup triumph at the Euroleague awards

The EuroLeague Players Association (ELPA) has revealed the first winners of its 2026 Players' Choice Awards, an initiative that recognizes exceptional performance and sportsmanship values within the continental competition. Jean Montero, Tornike Shengelia, and Thomas Walkup have received the majority backing of their peers, thus consolidating their position as key figures in the current season.

Guard Jean Montero has claimed the "Best Emerging Player" award with a convincing 57% of the votes cast by the player community. His journey with Valencia Basket during his debut in the EuroLeague proved crucial in securing this undisputed recognition among his teammates.

Montero has shown remarkable maturity for a newcomer, displaying consistency and an immediate impact that has positioned him as one of the most promising rising stars in the competition. His first season at the highest European level has showcased his technical abilities and his capacity to adapt to a highly demanding environment.

The voting reflects how EuroLeague professionals have valued not only his statistics but also his presence on the court and his contribution to his team's project. This award marks a significant milestone in the career of a player who has earned the respect of his peers since his debut in the continental elite.

Shengelia reaffirms his league leadership

Tornike Shengelia has obtained the "Most Respected Player" award with 41% of the votes, a recognition that highlights his established position as a EuroLeague icon. The Georgian player has been chosen not only for his competitive excellence but also for the on-court leadership he embodies and the admiration he garners throughout the competition.

This accolade reflects years of top-level performance and a trajectory marked by consistency and professionalism. Shengelia epitomizes the values that define the great leaders of European basketball: commitment, dedication, and the ability to inspire his teammates. His presence in the EuroLeague has been synonymous with quality and constant demand for excellence.

The percentage of votes he received shows that respect for his figure transcends sports rivalries, something achieved only by players who have maintained an impeccable level of play over consecutive seasons. His influence in the competition goes beyond individual statistics, placing him in the realm of exemplary behavior and moral authority on the court.

Walkup honored for his sportsmanship

Thomas Walkup has been awarded the "Fair Play" prize in the 2026 ELPA Players' Choice with 26% of the votes. This award recognizes his integrity, the respect he holds towards the game, and the exemplary sportsmanship he has displayed both on and off the court during his EuroLeague career.

The fair play award represents a special recognition that goes beyond technical performance. Walkup has been chosen by his peers for embodying the fundamental principles of professional sports: competitive ethics, respect for referees and opponents, and exemplary conduct that transcends the sports sphere. These values have characterized his journey in the continental competition.

Throughout the season in which he clinched the title with Olympiacos, Walkup maintained an impeccable code of conduct that has earned the consideration of the player community. His recognition in this category underscores how professional basketball values not only talent and performance but also the way in which one competes and represents the sport as a whole.

The three awards presented by the ELPA reflect different dimensions of excellence in the EuroLeague. While Montero represents the future and the ability to adapt to the highest level, Shengelia embodies consolidation and leadership earned through years of dedication, and Walkup symbolizes the intangible values that underpin sports integrity.

These awards, sponsored by FreeNow by Lyft, are part of a broader initiative by the Players' Association aimed at recognizing the most outstanding contributions within the competition. The voting among fellow professionals ensures that the recognitions reflect the evaluation of those who best understand the level of play and real qualities of each competitor.

The awards ceremony underscores the importance that the EuroLeague places on comprehensive excellence, combining athletic performance with professional conduct and impact on the development of the competition. The three winners represent different generations and trajectories, yet they share the common denominator of having unanimously earned the recognition of their peers in the elite European basketball scene.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Montero, Shengelia y Walkup triunfan en los premios de la Euroliga