Kenneth Faried\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Faried averaged 13.5 points on 64.5% shooting, 7.5 rebounds \u2013 including 4.0 offensive boards \u2013 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\u2019s highlight-reel dunks and emphatic shot rejections energized Panathinaikos and its fans, signaling his return to elite form.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know what to expect, but the next thing I know I\u2019m playing \u2013 I\u2019m not just playing, I\u2019m starting \u2013 and I\u2019m contributing in a big way for the team,\u201d Faried told Olivia Harlan Dekker on the EuroLeague & Friends: MVP Talk podcast. \u201cThe chemistry just seemed like it was there from day one. It felt like I\u2019ve been here for years.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s performance during the month in question. The November award was based on the games played between Rounds 9 and 13.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
\u201cMe and [Coach Ataman] first met on the court,\u201d Faried said. \u201cI came to the court for practice just being my bubbly self, happy and enjoying myself. I\u2019m like, \u2018Hey Coach, how you doing? Nice to meet you finally.\u2019 And he said to me, \u2018Woah, I just feel your energy instantly.\u2019 We meshed right then and there.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 having lost back-to-back games and three of the last four \u2013 and suddenly staring at a stretch without any proven centers.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been Kenneth Faried \u2018The Manimal\u2019 in the NBA, superstar for my team; people came up to me and wanted pictures, wanted autographs,\u201d Faried added. \u201cBut now it\u2019s that feeling [multiplied] by 10 while being out here. I\u2019m always willing to show the love back because they\u2019re giving us the love, and they\u2019re giving me the energy I need to compete every night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since Faried\u2019s 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\u2019 success and a player to watch as the season progresses.<\/p>\n