Panathinaikos’ newest signing, Brancou Badio, dominated the first round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers and was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The former Valencia guard, who recently joined Panathinaikos, produced outstanding numbers during the FIBA international windows leading up to the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.
The 27-year-old played a key role in Senegal’s impressive 5-1 record in the first round of the qualifiers, averaging 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and a 23.8 efficiency rating per game.
Badio filled up the stat sheet throughout the qualifying campaign, carried Senegal to a 5-1 finish, earned a place on the All-Star Five of the African Qualifiers, and was ultimately voted the MVP of the First Round.
Here is FIBA’s full statement on the Senegalese guard:
The winners of the first round of the African Qualifiers awards have been confirmed.
Brancou Badio led the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers First Round Awards and earned the Most Valuable Player honor. The All-Star Five and Rising Star awards were also announced.
These awards, which are being introduced for the first time, recognize the top performers from the first round. To be eligible, players were required to appear in at least four of the six games played.
27-year-old Brancou Badio played a pivotal role in helping Senegal achieve a 5–1 record across two qualifying windows in February and July.
Badio averaged team highs of 20.2 points, 7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and a 23.8 efficiency rating in five of Senegal’s six games.
After sitting out Senegal’s 90-80 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the first round of Group B play, Badio delivered his best performance in the rematch between the two teams. He shot 8-for-12 from the field, including 4-for-8 from beyond the arc, to finish with a game-high 23 points.
He dished out six assists and finished a rebound shy of a double-double as Senegal prevailed, 85-72.
In addition to winning the MVP award, Badio was named to the All-Star Team alongside Siriman Kanoute (Mali), Childe Dundao (Angola), Assemian Moulare (Côte d’Ivoire), and Jeremiah Hill (Cameroon).