Janar Aniste claims Estonian 1 Liiga Hoops Agents weekly honour

- January 20, 2026

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Janar Aniste

Estonian Janar Aniste (177-SG-2000) had a very impressive game in the last round for league's second-best Paide Viking Window and that's him to receive a Hoops Agents 1 Liiga Player of the Week award for round 15.
The 25-year old shooting guard had the game-high 27 points adding two rebounds and five assists for Paide VW in his team's victory, helping them to beat Kadrina (#3, 9-6) 90-76. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Paide VW maintains the 2nd position in Estonian 1 Liiga. They are still close to the very top. Paide VW would have been even better if they kept winning the games like in the last round. They have a solid 13-2 record. In the team's last game Aniste had a remarkable 66.7% from 2-point range and got four three-pointers out of 6 attempts. It's his second year at Paide VW and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Aniste has impressive league stats. He is in league's top in points (4th best: 16.6ppg), assists (4th best: 5.3apg) and averages solid 2.3spg and 56.0% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was another Paide VW's star - young Mark-Andreas Jaakson (200-SF-2000). Jaakson impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Of course together with Aniste he helped Paide Viking Window with another comfortable win 90-76 over slightly lower-ranked Kadrina (#3, 9-6) being unquestionably team leader. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Paide VW consolidated its place in top 2 of the standings. His team lost just two games this season, while they won 13 matches. Jaakson is a newcomer at Paide VW and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Estonian Tom Kaldre (185-PG-1998) of top-ranked Hepa Rapla. Kaldre showcased his all-around game by recording 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in the last round. He was a key player of Rapla, leading his team to a 80-58 easy win against the lower-ranked Rock Tartu (#10, 3-12). Many experts and fans count Rapla as a contender for championship title. Another victory and another confirmation that they may be right. Just look at their record: 14 victories and only one lost game. They are currently at the very top of the standings. Kaldre has a great season in Estonia. After 15 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in assists with 7.6apg (best passer).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Vladyslav Sinnik (203-C-2007) of Ulikool/Estiko - 17 points and 8 rebounds
5. Rando Sarapson (188-G-2008) of Audentese - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists
6. Markus Kikkatalo (200-F-2000) of Eesti M. - 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
7. Kent-Kaarel Vene (197-PF-1994) of Haapsalu - 22 points and 5 rebounds
8. Taevon Lewis (198-G-2003) of Haljala - 20 points and 7 rebounds
9. Karl Jurtsenko (203-PF-2004) of Ulikool/Estiko - 14 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Rait Tammet (205-C-1997) of Rae Koss - 11 points and 7 rebounds

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.

Tags : JANAR ANISTE, PAIDE VIKING WINDOW, ESTONIAN BASKETBALL,