The Panathinaikos big man transformed his team with energy and dominance
Kenneth Faried storms to EuroLeague MVP of November honors
Awards
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Kenneth Faried’s arrival at Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens made an immediate impact, and his stellar play has earned him the EuroLeague Basketball MVP of the Month for November presented by Motorola. Signed on November 9, Faried wasted no time becoming a force for his team, helping the Greens to a 4-0 record during the month and a share of first place in the standings.
Faried averaged 13.5 points on 64.5% shooting, 7.5 rebounds – including 4.0 offensive boards – and 2.0 blocks per game in November. His relentless energy and athleticism were on full display as he ranked second in blocks and sixth in rebounds across the league for the month. Faried’s highlight-reel dunks and emphatic shot rejections energized Panathinaikos and its fans, signaling his return to elite form.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but the next thing I know I’m playing – I’m not just playing, I’m starting – and I’m contributing in a big way for the team,” Faried told Olivia Harlan Dekker on the EuroLeague & Friends: MVP Talk podcast. “The chemistry just seemed like it was there from day one. It felt like I’ve been here for years.”
The MVP of the Month award is now in its 20th season. The winner is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team’s performance during the month in question. The November award was based on the games played between Rounds 9 and 13.
Faried becomes the eighth Panathinaikos player to earn the award, joining a cast of stars that includes Jaka Lakovic (February 2005), Mike Batiste (November 2006), Ramunas Siskauskas (April 2007), Dimitris Diamantidis (December 2010, March-April 2012, April 2013), Chris Singleton (March 2017), Nick Calathes (March 2019) and Kendrick Nunn (April 2024, February 2025).
“Me and [Coach Ataman] first met on the court,” Faried said. “I came to the court for practice just being my bubbly self, happy and enjoying myself. I’m like, ‘Hey Coach, how you doing? Nice to meet you finally.’ And he said to me, ‘Woah, I just feel your energy instantly.’ We meshed right then and there.”
On November 2, Faried was playing in Taiwan when Panathinaikos center Omer Yurtseven suffered an injury, joining Richaun Holmes and Mathias Lessort on the sidelines. The Greens were reeling – having lost back-to-back games and three of the last four – and suddenly staring at a stretch without any proven centers.
Enter Faried. He joined the club a week later and practiced once with his new team before flying to France, where he made his debut against Paris Basketball in Round 10. It went better than anyone could have expected; Faried led the Greens to a 95-101 road win at Paris Basketball, where he posted 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
He followed that up with 16 points and 8 rebounds in a statement victory at Real Madrid in Round 11. Faried then displayed his full array of skills in his first appearance in the Greek capital with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks in a blowout win over Dubai Basketball in Round 12, and closed the month with 12 points and 7 rebounds against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 13.
“I’ve been Kenneth Faried ‘The Manimal’ in the NBA, superstar for my team; people came up to me and wanted pictures, wanted autographs,” Faried added. “But now it’s that feeling [multiplied] by 10 while being out here. I’m always willing to show the love back because they’re giving us the love, and they’re giving me the energy I need to compete every night.”
Since Faried’s arrival, Panathinaikos has surged to a 9-4 record, tied for the best in the EuroLeague at the end of November. His ability to dominate the paint and ignite fast breaks has made him a cornerstone of the Greens’ success and a player to watch as the season progresses.