This season, the league’s most impactful player isn’t dominating the scoreboard. It’s a defensive anchor whose presence changes the game on every possession.
1. Charles Thompson (Leicester Riders) – The Defensive Force
Leicester can’t survive without him. That’s the simplest way to explain Thompson’s MVP case. He’s the single most dominant defensive force in the league, and his presence in the paint dictates how opposing teams play.
- He leads the league in blocks, but his impact goes beyond that. His ability to contest, alter, and erase shots forces teams to change their approach.
- Leicester’s defensive structure falls apart when he sits. His absence is more noticeable than any offensive player’s scoring drought.
- Thompson’s game-changing defence is the most impactful element of any player’s season.
2. Aaryn Rai (London Lions) – The Smartest Player in the League
Rai doesn’t force the game—he takes over when needed. He’s adaptable enough to impact winning in different ways, whether through forcing turnovers, grabbing timely rebounds, setting others up or scoring himself.
- He scores efficiently without disrupting the flow of the offence.
- A smart positional defender who makes winning plays without gambling.
- He can quietly dominate in different ways, making an impact in every matchup.
3. Dame Adelekun (Surrey 89ers) – The Quietly Dominant Force
Adelekun isn’t flashy, but his efficiency and rebounding make him one of the most impactful bigs in the league. He maximises every offensive touch and secures rebounds on both ends, creating extra possessions that fuel Surrey’s success.
- One of the best in the league at second-chance points and putbacks, converting opportunities others miss.
- A key facilitator in Surrey’s offence, operating as a dribble handoff hub to keep their attack flowing.
- His two-way impact stabilises Surrey, giving them an inside presence that allows their perimeter players to thrive.
4. Mike Okauru (Newcastle Eagles) – The Isolation King
Newcastle’s offence is built around Okauru, and for good reason—he’s one of the best individual scorers in the league. His ability to create shots out of nothing makes him a constant threat, and when he gets going, he can be impossible to stop.
- A high-usage scorer who thrives in isolation, carrying much of Newcastle’s offensive burden.
- Balances scoring with playmaking, often initiating the offence and very capable passing out of double teams.
- Gives Newcastle a go-to option in late-game situations, capable of producing when defences get tight.
5. Donovan Clay (Sheffield Sharks) – The Most Complete Big
Clay is a unique big who ties together Sheffield’s offence. His skill set allows them to play the way they do—without him, their structure wouldn’t be the same.
- A big who can handle the ball like a guard, giving Sheffield a rare offensive weapon.
- Can switch between initiator and finisher, making him a matchup problem for opponents.
- A versatile defender who can guard both the perimeter and the paint, making him an invaluable piece on both ends of the floor.
Is The Race Already Decided?
This list isn’t final, but right now, Charles Thompson stands apart. His defensive dominance defines games in ways no one else can match.The only question left is whether the league is ready to reward impact over box-score stats. If the MVP is about winning, Thompson is the clear choice.
