Alba Torrens European Women’s Player of the Year

Munich-Germany, Feb 07, 2012: Alba Torrens of Spain was the overwhelming winner of the popular vote, receiving more points* from the fans than the following three players combined. This enormous advantage proved enough for the Spanish player to overcome Maria Stepanova of Russia, who edged her in the expert panel’s voting.

The 22-year-old’s greatest moment in 2011 came on 10 April, when her then club Perfumerias Avenida lifted the coveted EuroLeague Women trophy for the first time in history, after defeating four-time defending champions Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje in the final.

Torrens was also named the Final Four MVP to cap a dream season at club level as Avenida also captured the Spanish League title, thanks in no small part to her fantastic contribution.

She was Avenida’s top scorer throughout the EuroLeague Women season, averaging 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per contest. The charismatic guard/forward led the national team in scoring at the EuroBasket Women in the summer, but Spain failed to make it to the Quarter-Finals.

“She is a fantastic player and a wonderful person, I hope this well-deserved award serves as a sign that 2012 can be as good for her as 2011 was, despite the unfortunate start to the year,” FIBA Europe President Olafur Rafnsson said.

Torrens signed with Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray in the summer and had an excellent start to the current EuroLeague Women season, but suffered an injury in early 2012 and will have to miss the rest of the season.

“Alba’s contribution goes beyond numbers,” FIBA Europe Secretary General Nar Zanolin commented. “She runs the floor in transition, she is an excellent shooter and she doesn’t lose her cool in the clutch. I cannot imagine any team, no matter how strong, that would not love to have her on its roster,” Mr Zanolin concluded.

FIBA EUROPE 2011 WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTING RESULTS

*Six points awarded to the first-choice player in every ballot, three points to the second choice and two points to the third.