26th July 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
With the Championship Men finals fast approaching, the race for the 2026 MVP is entering an exciting final stretch. We take a look at some of the standout performers whose consistency and impact have helped shape one of the Big V's most competitive seasons.
Experience, consistency and star power have been on full display throughout the Championship Men season.
From prolific scorers and dominant rebounders to playmakers who continue to elevate those around them, a number of players have produced outstanding campaigns while helping their clubs push towards finals. With the regular season drawing to a close, the race for the 2026 Championship Men MVP remains wide open.
Warrandyte’s Lanyc Shuler has continued to be among the competition’s standout performers, averaging 28.8 points, 6.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game. His ability to score, create opportunities for teammates and consistently influence games has made him an integral part of Warrandyte's campaign.
Among the competition’s leading scorers, Camberwell’s Jackson Meshanic, Hume City’s Robbie Heath, Pakenham’s Ryan Batte, Sunbury’s Ishmael Sanders and RMIT University’s Devon Vanderheydt have all continued to light up the scoreboard. Meshanic has paired 23.6 points with an impressive 11.6 rebounds per game, while Heath has averaged 24.5 points per contest. Batte and Vanderheydt have each contributed 21.6 points per game, with sanders adding 23.4 points per outing.
Inside the paint, Warrandyte’s Ivan Platenik, Hume City’s Lachlan Wood and Gippsland United’s Bryce Brown have all provided a commanding presence. Platenik has averaged a double-double of 18.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, while Wood (19.0 points, 9.7 rebounds) and Brown (20.4 points, 9.8 rebounds) have consistently controlled the glass and made their presence felt at both ends of the floor.
Hume City has also showcased impressive depth through the performances of Wood Heath and Ricardo Time. Wood’s versatility and ability to stretch the floor have created difficult matchups throughout the season, Heath has continued to be one of the league’s most potent scorers, while Time has impressed with his all-round game, averaging 16.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists per contest. His ability to create opportunities for teammates while making an impact offensively has been a key part of Hume City’s championship push.
Camberwell's Brennen Burns, McKinnon's Troyce Manassa, RMIT University's Zachary Coleman-Bock have also continued to make valuable contributions throughout the season, highlighting the depth of impressive talent across the Championship Men competition.
Basketball Victoria Big V League Manager Andrew West said the Championship Men competition had continued to showcase the depth of talent and quality across the league.
"Championship Men continues to set a high standard across the Big V, with players consistently producing quality performances while helping their teams remain in the hunt for finals," West said.
"What makes this competition so exciting is the depth of talent across the league. Every week we're seeing players step up in different ways, and with finals just around the corner, I'm looking forward to seeing how both the race for the championship and the race for MVP unfold."
With only a handful of rounds remaining, every result will play an important role as clubs chase finals success and players continue to build on already impressive seasons.
The Race to MVP series celebrates some of the standout performers across the Big V competition. With finals approaching, the race for individual honours remains wide open as players continue to help drive their teams towards postseason success.
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For Media Enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria
Media & Communications Specialist
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
