TITLE: Fan Voting Opens for EuroBasket 2025 Best Defensive Player; Lakers’ Luka Doncic Listed Among Top Candidates
SLUG: eurobasket-2025-best-defensive-player-voting-luka-doncic
CONTENT:
Fan voting has officially begun for the inaugural Best Defensive Player award at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic headlines a short list of high-profile nominees.
The new honor will be decided in part by supporters who can cast ballots online, placing Doncic in direct competition with Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (Finland) and Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (Germany).
Doncic Anchors Slovenia on Both Ends
Through the group stage and Round of 16, Doncic is averaging a tournament-best 34.0 points and 3.2 steals per game for Slovenia. He also tops his national squad in rebounds at 8.3 per contest and is tied with center Alen Omic for the team lead in blocks at 0.7.
Slovenia finished Group D play with a 3-2 record, then defeated Italy to reach the quarterfinals, where it will meet Germany. Despite the group-stage setbacks, Doncic’s two-way output positions him as a leading contender for both Best Defensive Player and tournament MVP.
Other Leading Contenders
Lauri Markkanen has powered Finland to the quarterfinals, pacing his country with 26.0 points and 3.0 steals per game. His defensive effort was instrumental in Finland’s upset of Serbia and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the Round of 16.
Dennis Schroder, one of the most experienced NBA players still active in the tournament, continues to drive Germany’s perimeter defense with persistent on-ball pressure and leadership, factors that may sway voters even though his counting stats trail those of Doncic and Markkanen.
How to Cast a Vote
Supporters can submit votes through FIBA’s official EuroBasket 2025 digital platforms. Voting remains open through the final rounds of the competition, and the winner will be announced at the conclusion of the tournament.
Source: LakersNation.com
