BRUSSELS (Belgium) - They already boast the likes of Ann Wauters and Emma Meeseman under the hoop, but Belgium have now strengthened further for the Final Round with the addition of Celeste Trahan-Davis.

She will take the naturalized slot and this will be a big  boost for the Belgians, who have a big challenge ahead in what looks like the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 'Group of Death' against co-hosts Serbia, Russia and Belarus.

 
A standout in EuroLeague Women with Belgian side Castors Braine, Trahan-Davis will bring added strength, rebounding and scoring alongside the brilliant Meesseman and legendary Wauters.

There is also an opportunity for Hind Ben Abdelkader again, who missed her nation's stunning first ever medal at the last edition in Prague and their FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup debut.

With Kim Mestdagh a potent shooting threat downtown, Antonia Delaere providing some much needed glue on the wing and Kyara Linskens one of the most improved forwards in the European game, the fans can expect another strong challenge.

 
Belgium will already be able to rely on the veteran playmaker Marjorie Carpreaux, the versatile Julie Vanloo and  also Julie Allemand - the revelation at global level in Tenerife last year.

For head coach Philip Mestdagh, the big task in continuing their incredible rise to prominence and pushing for another podium finish will be escaping the initial phase.

The players will congregate for a camp in Kortrijk from May 17-24 and then head to Japan for a pair of games. From June 6-10, the Cats will be in Spain, where they will participate in a four-country tournament with Spain, Russia and Italy in Zaragoza .

From June 14-16 there is an international tournament in Belgium (South Palace-Brussels) for which Spain, Canada and China are invited. The last two exhibition games in Belgium are scheduled on June 21 and 22 against Italy.

FIBA