World Cup MVP So Far...

Teams at the FIBA World Cup may have only played 3 games, but there have still been some standout performers. Here’s my Race to the MVP Ladder.

5. Kenneth Faried (USA) - Power Forward
14.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 81% FG

With the way the USA’s rotation is set up, it’s hard for an MVP candidate to rise from the team. Faried is actually at the top of the minutes per game list for the USA, yet he only averages 23 minutes of court time. Obviously, the USA’s incredibly talented squad is used to playing more minutes than that, so some readjustment is needed, and Faried seems to have coped pretty well. He is incredibly efficient when he has the ball, shooting over 80% from the field. Recording a double double against New Zealand is a feat that should see him keep his place in the team.

4. Goran Dragic (SLOVENIA) - Point Guard
20.3 PPG, 4.7 APG, 71%

The NBA’s 2013-14 Most Improved Player has shown no signs of slowing down his progress towards becoming one of the best point guards in the world. The Phoenix Suns’ man has led his team through tough games against Australia and Mexico, linking up well with his brother Zoran, as well as his other teammates. He even managed to grab 7 rebounds in the game against Australia, a statistic that shows his hustle and dedication to the team. Thanks to his efforts, Slovenia are now seen as dark horses in this tournament, as they’ve already got through to the knockout rounds, after only 3 games.

Pau Gasol (Top), Luis Scola (bottom left) and Gorgui Dieng (bottom right) have all impressed so far.

3. Luis Scola (ARGENTINA) - Power Forward
23 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 61% FG

Luis Scola always performs well at international tournaments (he was named in the All-Tournament Team at the 2010 World Cup), and it doesn’t look like this year is going to be different. He’s looked like a real double double threat every time he steps on court, getting 20 points & 9 rebounds, 30 & 9 and 19 & 7 in Argentina’s three games. His scoring average is only beaten by Pau Gasol. This tournament may be about rebuilding for the Argentinean team, but an old dog is getting the job done.

2. Gorgui Dieng (SENEGAL) - Center
22 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 55% FG

No one expected this. Dieng is playing at his first international tournament for a Senegalese team that only re-formed in February after being banned from all competitions. Yet, despite all of this, he has come to the World Cup and recorded two double doubles in three games. He’s 3rd in points scored and 2nd in rebounds. He is also the most efficient player at the World Cup, leaving players like Pau Gasol trailing in his wake. Of course you have to consider that he is averaging 37.3 minutes per game, but his stats are still very impressive. With Kevin Love leaving the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dieng could find a considerable increase in his minutes back in the NBA.

1. Pau Gasol (SPAIN) - Power Forward
23.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 65.1% FG

Chicago Bulls fans must be watching this tournament with glee. Not only does Derrick Rose look like he’s returned to the performances that won him 2011 MVP, new signing Pau Gasol is playing at his most impressive level in years. Spain are undefeated at the World Cup, and it could be argued that Gasol is the reason behind that. In Spain’s first game against Iran, he recorded 33 points and 8 rebounds, as well as blocking 3 shots. If he brings this form back to the NBA, he could silence his critics, who have been growing after a couple of poor seasons for him.