Both the forward and the center delivered outstanding performances that halted the Greek side’s comeback and kept the Aragonese team on track. Hempe was the week’s highest-rated player in the competition, with a performance index rating of 33 after finishing the game with 29 points and 11 rebounds. The American center once again demonstrated her importance to the Reds’ offense and extended the outstanding European start she has been enjoying. After the first two rounds, she also leads the EuroLeague in scoring and average rating, with 27.5 points and 27.5 rating points per game.
Alongside her, Bankolé also impressed, with her contribution proving crucial to Casademont’s victory in Greece. The French player finished with 26 points and six rebounds, while making five of seven three-point attempts. She was one of the key figures in containing Athinaikos’ comeback attempt, as the Greek side came within two points in the final quarter, when the Frenchwoman played a decisive role in maintaining the lead.
MVP NOMINEES
Casademont therefore has two players among the candidates for the round’s individual award, highlighting the level of its main offensive players at the start of the continental campaign. Hempe and Bankolé’s performances were decisive in helping the team secure its second European win and remain unbeaten, sharing the lead in their group with their next opponent, surprise package Kibirkstis Vilnius.
The list of five nominees includes Kitija Laksa (Familia Schio), Mariam Coulibaly (Familia Schio) and Daugile Use (Kibirkstis Vilnius), as well as two players from the Aragonese club who have a strong chance of ultimately winning the award for the round’s best player.
