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2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball Updated MVP Rankings: Top 5 potential candidates after group-stage games
The 2024 Paris Olympics women's basketball event has been a wonderful promotion for the game. Fans have had the opportunity to see some of the world's best players go head-to-head on the international stage. After an entertaining group stage, eight teams remain in contention for the coveted gold medal.
Belgium's Emma Meesseman has more points than any player and is one of the early favorites for the Olympics MVP award. The six-foot-seven center Li Yueru has been oustanding for China during the group stage.
With WNBA stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart Brittney Griner and Jackie Young on the roster, it's no surprise that the USA enters the quarter-final as the heavy favorite.
With the knockout round of the competition now upon us, we examine the five players who could be crowned the Olympics women's basketball MVP.
Top five potential candidates for 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball MVP after group stage
#5 Megan Gustafson, Spain
Megan Gustafson has been key in Spain's strong start to the tournament. The Spanish forward/center has led her team to a flawless 3-0 record in the opening round, with wins over China, Puerto Rico and Serbia.
Gustafson is averaging a double double at the Olympics, with 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. She's also shooting an impressive 61.1 percent. Her standout performance came in the opening game, where she recorded 29 points on 14/21 shooting to guide her nation to a slender win over China.
#4 Satou Sabally, Germany
Fans of the WNBA and the Turkish league will be familiar with Satou Sabally. The Dallas Wings/Fenerbahce forward has been incredibly efficient in the first three games, making her an early contender for the MVP award.
Sabally ranks second at the Olympics in points per game, with 21.7. She has also contributed in other aspects of the game, averaging 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and a steal per over three starts.
The German's memorable 33-point outing versus Japan is the most points scored by any player in a game during the competition.
#3 Emma Meesseman
Emma Meesseman may feel hard done to miss out on a top-two position on this list after some spectacular performances in the opening round.
The Belgian star scored a whopping 30 points against Japan on Aug. 4. She has been crucial in helping her nation progress out of a difficult Group C that included the United States and Germany.
Overall, Meesseman (26.3) leads all players in points per game. She also has the highest field goal percentage (63.6) among players to have averaged at least 10 points.
#2 A'ja Wilson, USA
It's no surprise to see A'ja Wilson's name on the list. The Las Vegas Aces superstar is a two-time MVP and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and has won two championships over her first six seasons in the WNBA.
Wilson had a strong start to the Olympics women's basketball event, with a game-high 24 points on 10/16 shooting versus Japan to open the campaign. She ranks third in average points scored (20.3) and rebounds per game (9.7).
The USA has cruised through the group stage with dominant wins over Japan, Belgium and Germany. If they secure their eighth consecutive gold medal, expect to see Wilson as one of the favorites for the MVP award.
#1 Breanna Stewart, USA
It's strange and bizzare how similar Breanna Stewart and A'ja Wilson's stats are. If the tournament were to end today, a valid case could be made for either Team USA star to talk home the MVP award.
Stewart and Wilson are respectively averaging 20.3 points and 2.7 assists per game. Wilson (3.7) holds the edge in rebounds per game, but it's important to note that Stewart has played two fewer minutes per game.
Stewart has been quite efficient throughout the Olympics women's basketball event. She's shooting 62.5 percent from the field and over 83 percent from the free throw line. The New York Liberty forward has turned the ball over just twice in 78 minutes of basketball.
If Stewart can keep up this form, she could be named the tournament's MVP.
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