The EuroLeague competition system, in which the results from the first phase carry over into the second round if a team advances, means every game is worth its weight in gold for those hoping to go deep in a tournament where Casademont won bronze in the last edition. “We are super focused because we know this group is going to be difficult and we have to win every game,” the French player stressed ahead of the clash with Basket Landes.
Regarding their first continental opponent, Bankolé highlighted the team spirit of a side that has won the French Super Cup and has yet to lose a game this season: “We know they are a very strong team and we are going to have to be very strong too. They play as a team, and we have to be careful with every player and play together because that is what they do very well.”
The French player is in excellent form. Photo: Casademont Zaragoza
Even so, the French forward, who will experience a “special” occasion by facing a team from her country, praised Casademont’s run of results. Despite losing in the Super Cup semifinals, the team has begun the regular season with three emphatic victories. “We haven’t lost in the league either and we are also playing well, so it is going to be an interesting battle,” Bankolé said.
HER EXCELLENT FORM
Despite arriving last after her first WNBA experience and missing the Super Cup, Bankolé has joined the Aragonese side in excellent form. “I’m happy to be here and to be able to be with my teammates,” said the French forward, who acknowledged that she can take a step forward within the team this season and become an even more indispensable part of Carlos Cantero’s plans.
Bankolé also acknowledged that she spoke about Zaragoza and Casademont during her time in the American league, where she grew into a prominent role with the Toronto Tempo: “It’s true that they asked me what it’s like here, in Spain and in Zaragoza, and it’s true that I told them about my experience here. I love it, so that’s what I said.”
