Who was each nation’s February MVP?

MUNICH (Germany) – The February window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers provided plenty more drama and entertainment as the stakes were raised in pursuit of the Second Round.

And, once again, several players stepped up to answer the call of their country and we go through each team to pick out their MVP of Window 2.

Group A

Serbia

Aleksa Avramovic – PG / 1.92m / 1994
Statistics: 19.0 PPG, 4.0 APG, 3.0 SPG

Avramovic enjoyed another solid window for Serbia in helping his side to two victories over Slovakia. The 27-year-old contributed 24 points and 6 assists to the second of those wins, orchestrating the offense for Serbia to moving onto the Second Round. The Serbian guard is now averaging 18.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.3 steals per game across the European Qualifiers with his importance continuing to grow.

Latvia

Rihards Lomazs – G / 1.93m / 1996
Statistics: 14.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.0 APG

Lomazs may not have matched his incredible scoring output from the first window in November, but still had a big impact in helping Latvia to two vital victories to secure their place in the Second Round. The 25-year-old guard contributed 12 points and 5 assists to the one-point road triumph over Belgium before playing a major role down the stretch as Latvia held off the Belgians for the second time in four days, top-scoring with 16 points along with 5 assists.

Belgium

Jean-Marc Mwema – PF / 1.98m / 1989
Statistics: 13.0 PTS, 6.0 REB, 67% 3PT

Mwema did not play in the first of two Belgian losses to Latvia in Window 2 as they dropped from a 2-0 start back to 2-2. The sharpshooter finished with 13 points in Riga with 4-of-6 shooting from three-point range and made some big shots throughout a close encounter. Mwema fired Belgium into the lead with a four-point play in the fourth and another triple had made it 61-59 in their favor with 2:06 remaining.

Slovakia

Vladimir Brodziansky – PF / 2.06m / 1994
Statistics: 22.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.5 APG

Slovakia’s hopes of progressing to the Second Round look bleak, but that will not stop Brodziansky giving everything to the cause. Their influential forward again put the nation on his back with consecutive games of 20 or more points against Serbia as they pushed them close on both occasions. Encouraging signs and an example from Brodziansky that is there to be followed.

Group B

Greece

Dimitrios Agravanis – PF / 2.08m / 1994
Statistics: 18.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.5 APG

One of the standout players of the entire window in the European Qualifiers, Agravanis helped Greece to two crucial wins over Turkey as they moved onto the brink of the Second Round. Agravanis recorded 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 24 minutes of their home win before posting a double-double of 22 points and 11 boards in the return fixture to complete a perfect window, with big man Georgios Papagiannis also impressing.

Turkey

Shane Larkin – PG / 1.82m / 1992
Statistics: 13.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 7.5 APG

Larkin was not able to have the same influence as on previous national team appearances, as Turkey came away empty-handed from a double-header with Greece. The star point guard was held to 10 points, whilst dishing out 9 assists in the agonizing loss on the road before putting up a team-high 16 points along with 6 assists in Istanbul as Turkey dropped to 1-3 in Group B. A strong finish will be needed and Larkin still holds the key.

Group C

Finland

Sasu Salin – SG / 1.91m / 1991
Statistics: 19.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 58% 3PT

Salin was sensational in helping secure a sweep over Slovenia. The sharpshooting guard dropped seven triples in a 25-point haul in Espoo as Finland claimed a 10-point victory in the first game. He followed up by shooting 4-of-8 from three-point range in 13 points in their win on the road. The 30-year-old helped lead the way in a crucial double over the reigning European champions in a major boost to Finland’s World Cup qualifying hopes.

Slovenia

Mike Tobey – C / 2.13m / 1994
Statistics: 14.5 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 57% FG

From 2-0 to 2-2, Slovenia’s fears of missing out on another World Cup appearance will have increased after suffering back-to-back defeats to Finland. This was despite the return of Mike Tobey – who had a major influence on their dream summer at the Olympics. The seven-footer had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds in the first loss before recording another solid showing three days later with 17 points, 10 rebounds as well as 5 assists to fuel a comeback effort that fell short on home soil.

Sweden

Viktor Gaddefors – SF / 2.03m / 1992
Statistics: 16.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 67% 3PT

A contrasting window for Sweden as they defeated Croatia on the road before falling to an agonizing defeat in double overtime at home. Gaddefors starred in Sweden’s victory with a team-high 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting and set the tone for his side. The 29-year-old forward had another 16 points in the reverse fixture in Norrkoping, but this time Sweden were unable to prevail and their Second Round hopes continue into the final window in the summer.

Croatia

Goran Filipovic – PG / 1.80m / 1996
Statistics: 14.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.0 APG

Speaking of contrast, Filipovic had two very different statlines during the February window for Croatia. The point guard was limited to just five minutes of action in Zagreb without writing his name on the scoresheet, but had a huge say on the outcome on the road with a 29-point haul in a potentially pivotal victory for Croatia as they avoided falling to 0-4 in the group. Filipovic was perfect from three-point range with all five attempts converted and also boosted his contribution with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in the double overtime win over Sweden.

Group D

Germany

Christian Sengfelder – PF / 2.00m / 1995
Statistics: 12.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 59% FG

Sengfelder provided a solid presence for Germany in Window 2 as they moved to the top of the group with two hard-fought wins over Israel behind all-round team displays – coming back from 15 down at home. Sengfelder reached double-digits in scoring in both games and led the team in efficiency in an important role off the bench to spur the German team forward. There were also strong contributions from Robin Benzing and Justus Hollatz, particularly in the road triumph.

Israel

Tomer Ginat – PF / 2.03m / 1994
Statistics: 19.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.0 SPG

Ginat stepped up for Israel in the February window and now leads the team in both scoring and rebounding, though they saw their unbeaten start fall back to a .500 record with successive four-point losses to Germany. The 27-year-old went 7-of-8 from the floor for 20 points in Tel Aviv as Israel came up short before an efficient 18 points along with 10 rebounds for a double-double in defeat on the road.

Estonia

Maik-Kalev Kotsar – F / 2.08m / 1996
Statistics: 20.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 60% FG

Kotsar made a first appearance for Estonia in the European Qualifiers with immediate effect, as he posted 17 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in their four-point win over Poland, in Tallinn. It almost transpired into the perfect window for Estonia, but they came up short on the road in a two-point defeat, despite another strong display from Kotsar with a game-high 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting in a tough battle inside.

Poland

Jaroslaw Zyskowski – PF / 2.03m / 1992
Statistics: 13.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 63% FG

At 0-3, Poland were in desperate need of a victory and found a way to overcome Estonia for a two-point triumph on home soil. Zyskowski provided a boost from the bench with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting without a miss from beyond the arc as the hosts recovered from an early 12-point deficit. The power forward had also netted 12 points in the first encounter that ended in defeat with an overall shooting percentage of 63 in Window 2.

Group E

France

Amath M’Baye – F / 2.06m / 1989
Statistics: 12.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG

There were contributions all throughout the roster for France as they clinched their place in the next phase by improving to 4-0 with successive wins over Portugal. M’Baye scored an efficient 9 points in 17 minutes of action in the dominant victory in Dijon before top scoring with 16 points in the reverse fixture as France had to battle to pull away in order to maintain their perfect record.

Montenegro

Vladimir Mihailovic – SG / 1.93m / 1990
Statistics: 22.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 69% 3PT

There was little stopping Mihailovic on the road with an impressive 27-point haul with just two misses from the floor in leading Montenegro to a convincing victory. Mihailovic hit five triples to go with 3 rebounds and 2 assists off the bench before continuing the role with an 18-point display in Podgorica, though Montenegro were unable to make it two wins from two as they were beaten by four at home to Hungary.

Hungary

David Vojvoda – G / 1.96m / 1990
Statistics: 17.5 PPG, 3.5 APG

Vojvoda delivered when Hungary needed it most. In 35 minutes of action, the 31-year-old finished with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting, whilst adding 4 assists as Hungary secured a four-point victory to improve to 2-2 in the group as they split their games with Montenegro. Vojvoda was one of four players in double figures in the home fixture, but they were held to 67 points in a heavy defeat that has ultimately cost the head-to-head.

Portugal

Sasa Borovnjak – C / 2.06m / 1989
Statistics: 12.0 PTS, 5.0 REB

Two more defeats for Portugal, but encouragement to take from the way they competed with France – in particular in the first half of the encounter in Matosinhos. Borovnjak was the only player to reach double figures in scoring in both games for Portugal and relished the challenge of going up against France, where he competes domestically. His first game tally of 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting was followed by 11 points and 7 rebounds and performances to build upon in the summer.

Group F

Lithuania

Osvaldas Olisevicius – F / 2.00m / 1993
Statistics: 18.0 PTS, 3.0 REB, 50% 3PT

Olisevicius only played one of the two encounters with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but his impact was substantial with a dagger three in the final minute to help secure a one-point triumph on the road. It was one of four triples for Olisevicius in an 18-point contribution which helped Lithuania to the first of two wins as they locked up a spot in the Second Round with two games to spare.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Miralem Halilovic – PF / 2.05m / 1991
Statistics: 20.0 PTS, 3.0 REB, 2.0 BLK

Halilovic had compiled 20 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks before going down with an injured ankle in the fourth quarter on an evenly contested battle with Lithuania in Tuzla. Bosnia and Herzegovina eventually succumbed to defeat as they felt the loss of Halilovic down the stretch and the 30-year-old was unavailable for the road trip, which resulted in another defeat. They will hope to have the influential forward back healthy for the final window in the summer.

Bulgaria

Dee Bost – PG / 1.88m / 1989
Statistics: 17.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.5 APG

Bost almost sent Bulgaria to the brink of the Second Round after a dramatic finish ensued in Pardubice. The experienced guard tied the game at 80-80 in the final minute of their second encounter and had the chance to put Bulgaria ahead before their efforts ended in defeat. Bost had led Bulgaria to victory on home soil with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in a nine-point win and even with the following loss, they hold the key head-to-head tiebreaker with Czech Republic.

Czech Republic

Martin Peterka – C / 2.03m / 1995
Statistics: 20.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 57% 3PT

Peterka for the win. The biggest of threes at a crucial time to claim Czech Republic’s first win of the campaign as they managed to avoid a 0-4 start. Peterka was huge alongside Vojtech Hruban with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists for the highest efficiency valuation – 34 – on Gameday 4. The experience came to the fore as the Czechs had been beaten on the road, despite a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double from Peterka in Botevgrad.

Group G

Georgia

Thaddus McFadden – PG / 1.88m / 1987
Statistics: 25.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.0 APG

McFadden fired in a combined 50 points to lead Georgia through to the Second Round with back-to-back wins over North Macedonia. The veteran guard hit six three-pointers in a 26-point effort at home to go with 6 rebounds and 5 assists to set the tone for the window. McFadden then scored 24 points in the return fixture on the road with another five triples along with 5 assists with Giorgi Shermadini also having another big window for Georgia.

Spain

Quino Colom – G / 1.88m / 1988
Statistics: 14.0 PTS, 4.0 REB, 5.0 AST

Colom is already a World Cup winner and is leading the charge for Spain to be able to defend their title in 2023. The 33-year-old guard finished with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists in just 19 minutes as Spain defeated Ukraine in their sole encounter of Window 2. Colom’s experience is key for Spain as they integrate a number of younger players into the fold in their effort to build for the future.

Ukraine

Jerome Randle – G / 1.75m / 1987
Statistics: 21.0 PTS, 4.0 REB, 5.0 AST

Randle led the way for Ukraine as they attempted to upset Spain on the road with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. The 34-year-old took on the scoring role having been scoreless in their previous encounter and Randle went 9-of-17 from the field in 26 minutes on court in the 14-point loss. Ukraine are still on course to advance as they remain ahead of North Macedonia with a game in hand.

North Macedonia

Bojan Krstevski – PF / 2.06m / 1989
Statistics: 11.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.0 APG

North Macedonia are still searching for their first victory of the European Qualifiers as they were beaten twice by Georgia in the February window. Krstevski was a leading light for the team with successive games in double figures as their offensive struggles continued. The 32-year-old netted 11 points in both meetings with 11 rebounds for a double-double on the road as well as 4 assists. Meanwhile, Nenad Dimitrijevic scored 25 points at home, but also committed 8 turnovers.

Group H

Russia

Artem Komolov – SG / 1.94m / 1993
Statistics: 17.0 PTS, 3.0 REB, 5 3PM

Komolov weighed in with a game-high of 17 points as well as 3 rebounds and 2 assists as Russia moved to 3-0 with an 11-point win over the Netherlands. The shooting guard netted five three-pointers as Russia finished with a total of 15 from beyond the arc in victory.

Italy

Amedeo Della Valle – SG / 1.94m / 1993
Statistics: 17.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.5 APG

Della Valle produced the goods to avoid Italy being swept by Iceland in the second window. The 28-year-old brushed aside 2-of-10 shooting struggles in the road defeat by firing in 26 points to propel Italy to an important success in Bologna. Della Valle went 12-of-13 from the free throw line and also hit four threes, whilst adding 5 assists as Italy returned to winning ways and claimed the head-to-head in the process.

Iceland

Tryggvi Hlinason – C / 2.15m / 1997
Statistics: 24.0 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 87% FG, 2.5 BPG

Hlinason produced a monumental performance with an eye-catching efficiency rating of 50 to set a new record in the European Qualifiers. The 24-year-old led Iceland to a memorable triumph over Italy with 34 points, 21 rebounds and 5 blocks in a huge display. Hlinason was contained somewhat in the reverse fixture, but still managed to contribute 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting along with 8 rebounds in defeat.

Netherlands

Thomas Van der Mars – C / 2.08m / 1990
Statistics: 14.0 PTS, 8.0 REB, 83% FG

Van der Mars marked a return to the national side with 14 points and 8 rebounds as the Netherlands fell to another loss in Group H. The 31-year-old found some success inside for the visitors and only had one miss from six attempts off the bench, but they were unable to overcome a poor third quarter to drop to 0-3 with their Second Round hopes taking a further blow.

FIBA