U18 MVP Massey handed senior chance for Belgian Cats
BRUSSELS (FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers) - Belgium head coach Philip Mestdagh is planning for life without the legendary Ann Wauters for February's FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers.
The veteran forward has been ruled out of next month's window and the games against Czech Republic and Switzerland due to a knee injury. But, the silver lining for Belgium is that it has given the chance for a fast-track into the senior squad for Billie Massey.
| Belgium 14-player squad for FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers | |||
| Julie Allemand | Marjorie Carpreaux | Antonia Delaere | Sofie Hendrickx |
| Kyara Linskens | Jaleesa Maes | Billie Massey | Emma Meesseman |
| Hanne Mestdagh | Kim Mestdagh | Heleen Nauwelaers | Jana Raman |
| Laure Resimont | Julie Vanloo | ||
The teenager was the MVP of the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2017 in Sopron, as Belgium took a glorious gold by defying predictions to make a surprise surge to the top step of the podium.
While Wauters can never be truly replaced on either a temporary or permanent basis, the inclusion of Massey, who will join the likes of another rising star in Kyara Linskens and UMMC standout Emma Meesseman, reiterates that Belgium do have options.
Unfortunately I won’t be able to play with @TheBelgianCats this next window. I am confident though that our team is strong enough to go get 2 important victories. #goCats #daretobelieve #workinghardtogetbackonthecourt pic.twitter.com/toKQCw2p0M
— Ann Wauters (@AnnWauters12) January 22, 2018
They are likely to once again rely on Julie Vanloo and Julie Allemand in the backcourt, with Kim Mestdagh and the ever improving Antonia Delaere on the wings.
Belgium are 2-0 so far in qualification, having finished a historic third place at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 in Prague.
FIBA
