Sylvain Francisco delivered an impressive performance throughout the Euroleague regular season, averaging 16.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (ranking 2nd in the league), 1.0 steal, and a PIR of 19.5 (4th) across all 38 games. Notably, he achieved a remarkable 33 points and 11 assists against Real Madrid. These statistics raise the question: is he an MVP candidate? Francisco certainly believes so, as he explained after his team’s victory against Paris, according to BasketNews.
“I’m supposed to be the MVP of the year because, firstly, I haven’t missed a single game. Secondly, for a point guard playing for Zalgiris, it’s extremely difficult to reach the playoffs. He (Vezenkov) plays for Olympiakos, which makes things easier, I would say. And don’t get me wrong, he’s excellent, one of the smartest players in Europe. So, for me, bringing my team to the top 5 is simply incredible. The PIR makes sense, but it’s different when it comes to a team expected to reach the playoffs and the Final Four, compared to another team that isn’t expected to get there but manages to reach the top despite a difficult journey. There’s a difference between Vezenkov and me: I create for others, they create for him. That simplifies things,” said Sylvain Francisco.
When asked how it would feel if Victor Wembanyama and he were both elected MVP, one in the NBA and the other in the Euroleague, he responded:
“Tremendous. I work so hard, and it would be a really good thing. I know Wemby quite well; he’s doing well, and frankly, he works like a madman. He’s stayed focused like that. For me, being elected MVP would be simply incredible and an important step because I’ve worked very hard to get there. And yes, it would be tremendous for France and for the French national team as well.”
Francisco further elaborated on social media, stating:
‘I’m answering a simple question when the media asked me why I should be MVP. And you all tell me I have ego or I’m not humble? Not one person thought we would be in the playoffs, not even the play-in, but we are in the top 6, and that’s all that matters.’
