By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
It only took Sasha Vezenkov two games back in the EuroLeague to link him next to an MVP award. Dragging Olympiacos at home over Zalgiris Kaunas, the absolute dominator of the 2022-23 campaign came back like he never left, being named EuroLeague Round 2 Co-MVP.
Yes, he’s not alone in such an award, because Neal Sako also received this honor following his winning effort over Virtus Bologna at home with ASVEL. They both came out on the winning end and registered a tied competition-high 30 PIR, but let’s focus on their performances uniquely.
The Bulgarian forward didn’t have huge issues straight from the beginning, recording a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds over the Lithuanians while collecting most of his points from the free-throw line (11/13). In the post-game flash interview, he gave his thoughts. “We started the game amazing, but we have to play better. I have to help my team in different ways”, the 2023 EuroLeague MVP said.
Neal Sako also had a shining double-double week, being crucial on both ends of the floor for the French side. He had 19 points (9/11 FG) and 11 rebounds, with 2 steals and 2 blocks. “I feel great. That is the first win of the season in the EuroLeague. We had been looking for it. I’m really happy for the team, my teammates, and the fans that we got the job done tonight”, he said in the flash interview.
Both weren’t here for their respective teams in last year’s EuroLeague, as Sasha Vezenkov was chasing more and more NBA opportunities with the Sacramento Kings and Neal Sako was still contributing at a domestic level and in the BCL with Cholet Basket. Now, they share the same award in 2023-24.
PHOTO CREDIT: Eurokinissi