Kirilenko named Euroleague’s MVP

Best of the best! CSKA forward Andrey Kirilenko has been named the Euroleague’s MVP ahead of the event’s final against Olympiacos.

­Kirilenko was awarded at a ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, which also saw him honoured as Best Defender and a member of the All-Euroleague First Team along with another CSKA man, Nenad Kristic.

'Kirilenko had a sudden impact in the competition, earning regular season Games 1 and 4 MVP honours and being chosen as the ‘bwin MVP’ for October,' the Euroleague’s official website wrote of the Russian’s achievements.'He also leads the 2011-12 Euroleague in the performance index ranking (24.1 per game), rebounds (7.2 rpg.) and blocks (1.87 bpg.). Kirilenko is second in steals (1.53 spg.) and was the Euroleague's only player to rank among the 10 best in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocks. His intensity, energy and quickness allowed Kirilenko to become the 2011-12 Best Defender Trophy winner, but he was a decisive factor in offense, too. Kirilenko was the playoffs best scorer (17.5 ppg.), ranked fourth in fouls drawn (5.1 per game) and second in free throws made (4.6 per game).'

The only thing AK-47 lacks to make the year a perfect one is the victory in the decider against Olympiacos on Sunday.

According to media reports, it’s the 31-year-old’s last season with CSKA as he’s set to return to the NBA season, with Brooklyn Nets being the most likely option.

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