28 Jul
    11 Aug 2024

    Unsung Heroes: Now the world knows who they are

    5 min to read
    Elise Ramette lit it up for Belgium against Japan

    It's not just about the MVPs and All-Star Five contenders. Now all the group games are in the books, we've picked out a baller from each group, who's contributions are in need of some love and attention.

    LILLE (France) - The first phase of the competition is now behind us, meaning it's the perfect time to reflect on the great basketball that was played inside Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille.

    There has been a lot of focus on the Race for MVP and that is understandable, with the last ladder putting plenty of names in the frame.

    Read more about the main MVP contenders

    MVP Ladder: Who's winning the race?

    However, what about the other ballers that have made promising contributions and helped their team advance?

    Here are three unsung heroes who might not be global superstars, but have put themselves onto the women's basketball radar and now everyone knows who they are.

    Group A: Masa Jankovic (Serbia)

    Masa Jankovic is cementing her place in the Serbia team

    As Serbia look for the next generation to take over or at least step into some shoes that may be vacated by those veteran players ready to step away or dilute their minutes, Jankovic has shown she is ready to meet the challenge.

    Being handed 17 minutes per game, the same as established seniors such as Tina Krajisnik and Dragana Stankovic, she has made the most of the opportunity so far to help Serbia into the Quarter-Finals.

    Averaging 9.0 points per outing, it has been her finishing and smart shot selections that have really caught the eye. It's no surprise that with this in mind, the Olympic debutante has shot a very nice 57.1 percent from the floor.

    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos
    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos
    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos
    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos
    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos
    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos
    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos
    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos
    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos
    Masa Jankovic - Game Photos

    Throw in the fact that she is also the third best rebounder, as well as the third best scorer and it's easy to see that the 24-year-old is moving up the order - even if there is still some work to be done. Head coach Marina Maljkovic will take care of that.

    In fact it's already a big European summer for Jankovic, having just been unveiled as a new signing for EuroLeague Women side, Perfumerias Avenida. Known for their famous 'Blue Tide' fans, Jankovic could soon have them making even more noise inside Pabellon Wurzburg.

    Group B: Murjanatu Musa (Nigeria)

    Murjanatu Musa has provided some impressive interior play for record-breaking Nigeria

    Another 24-year old making waves in the competition, the powerful Musa has been central to Nigeria's record-breaking exploits. They're celebrating a first ever place in the last eight and indeed the first time any African side, men or women have made the Quarter-Finals.

    Nigeria's progress has pivoted on their rugged defense and nose for contesting shots, putting their bodies on the line and generally delivering on D'Tigress mantra of being warriors. That is something that Musa has shown an appetite and adeptness for.

    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos
    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos
    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos
    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos
    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos
    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos
    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos
    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos
    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos
    Murjanatu Musa - Game Photos

    But don't be fooled into thinking that it is only about the muscle and the hustle. Musa has got game and has put numbers up too. They might not be spectacular, but they are digits that have underpinned Nigeria's meteoric accomplishments so far.

    Musa is the second highest scorer on the team with 10.7 points per game, as well as being the leading rebounder with an average of 6.7 boards. Third in efficiency too, there has been a lot to admire about her work so far and she deserves to have her name put up in lights.

    Group C: Elise Ramette (Belgium)

    Elise Ramette has played important cameos for Belgium

    Without leading guard Julie Allemand who withdrew on the eve of the tournament with an injury and having found themselves 0-2 after losses to Germany and USA, things looked bleak for Belgium.

    They needed a so-called miracle to make the Quarter-Finals and with Emma Meesseman they always had a small chance of pulling off a famous win. Their marquee baller did the business with a jaw-dropping effort, but Belgium also needed others to step up and support.

    Step forward Ramette.

    Elise Ramette - Game Photos
    Elise Ramette - Game Photos
    Elise Ramette - Game Photos
    Elise Ramette - Game Photos
    Elise Ramette - Game Photos
    Elise Ramette - Game Photos
    Elise Ramette - Game Photos
    Elise Ramette - Game Photos
    Elise Ramette - Game Photos
    Elise Ramette - Game Photos

    She played a vital part in one of the most memorable days in Belgium Basketball history against Japan. The consumate role of an unsung hero, with her impressive contribution of 16 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals perhaps understandably getting lost and overshadowed by the headline act of her superstar teammate.

    But it wasn't only about the Japan game, since Ramette had shown improving signs throughout. Having barely featured at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 or the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, her Olympic debut isn't over yet and she might yet get a say on helping the Cats to step onto a historic first podium step at the Games.

    FIBA

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