Meesseman ready to lead Belgium as Cats reach out to Ben Abdelkader
BRUSSELS (Belgium) - While Emma Meesseman was the top name for Belgium on their FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments roster, the Cats also sprung a surprise by announcing the return of Hind Ben Abdelkader.
Largely absent during the past five years when her country rose to global prominence, a change of head coach from Philip Mestdagh to Valery Demory seems to have changed the landscape for the talented and free-scoring guard.
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Her inclusion will provide Belgium with a welcome offensive boost, especially without their veteran shooting guard and leader Kim Mestdagh. Ben Abdelkader will potentially add further WNBA experience alongside Julie Allemand, who will continue to be vital to Belgium's chances at success.
| Belgium roster for WWCQT Washington DC | |||
| Julie Allemand | Hind Ben Abdelkader | Antonia Delaere | Serena-Lynn Geldof |
| Kyara Linskens | Maxuella Lisowa | Beckey Massey | Billie Massey |
| Emma Meesseman | Elise Ramette | Laure Resimont | Julie Vanloo |
As usual it will be the supreme leadership and phenomenal contributions of Meesseman that is likely to headline their challenge to make the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 - four years after they debuted in Tenerife at the 2018 edition.
The supporting cast includes a string of key performers such as winger Antonia Delaere, forward Kyara Linskens, and guard Julie Vanloo. There is also extra excitement around the addition of rising star Manuella Lisowa who joins other young guns such as sister act Billie and Becky Massey.
Belgium will face USA, Russia, and Puerto Rico in the quest to advance to Sydney later this year.
FIBA
