MERSIN (Türkiye) - Julie Vanloo is heading into the second leg of the EuroCup Women Finals knowing that a first major continental club title is now firmly within her grasp.
In a campaign with CIMSA CBK Mersin that really has had it all, it would be the perfect ending - although Athinaikos Qualco will be out to spoil the party.
Vanloo has suffered disappointment in what was only the briefest taste of EuroLeague Women action for the first time in her career, followed by a lengthy mid-season injury, and now she is back flying again.
Having emerged victorious 85-80 on the road in the first leg, Mersin will be favourites to get over the line with home advantage. But, after Athinaikos resurrected their hopes with a comeback in the tie, Vanloo admitted their win had felt a little bittersweet, but does at least set up the second clash perfectly. "For the fans, for EuroCup Women, it’s a great scenario," she said. "But we wanted it to be different, and have a bigger lead. We were up by more than 15 points, and could have kept that or made it even bigger. "Athinaikos is a great team, they never give up, have a lot of experienced players and they came back. It is what it is, but now we have to finish it at home, so it’s going to be a big game."
Winning silverware and making history would also potentially make up for Mersin suffering a First Round exit in EuroLeague Women. In a season of ups and downs, finishing the rollercoaster ride on a high would be a fairytale finish to a campaign that stuttered so badly in the early months. "We had different goals this season," admitted Vanloo. "We knew EuroLeague Women was super important for us. Everything happens for a reason. We had some injuries, some players that didn’t come - we were struggling at the beginning of the season, but it definitely made us stronger. "We definitely switched the button and came out stronger as a team and a group. To be in a Final and maybe bring a first European trophy to Mersin would be a big accomplishment." If Mersin do celebrate a landmark night then it could be February-March MVP, Kennedy Burke who has the biggest hand in the success.
On fire and outstanding in the first leg, Vanloo has nothing but admiration for the recently naturalized Turkish national team standout. "My Kennedy," enthused the Belgian ace. "We’re super close. She has been amazing for us throughout the whole season," "Every game she shows up for us, and has been carrying this team on her back. In between all the highs and lows, Kennedy was there. She’s a great person, she’s a fighter, a winner, but above all a great friend to me on and off the court." But just as Burke might be the most decisive player, Vanloo herself could also prove to be the difference-maker. Her ability and leadership so often shines through.
Women’s sports and especially basketball has been changing.... literally everywhere it’s getting bigger and bigger - Vanloo
Meanwhile, her eagerness to fill the highlights reel and to entertain makes her one of the reasons that the global women's game is surging in popularity.
Don't back against Vanloo putting on a show when it matters most and bringing the noise on the floor - something likely to be reciprocated by the locals off the court. "Women’s sports and especially basketball has been changing. In Europe and America, literally everywhere it’s getting bigger and bigger," smiled Vanloo. "Playing in a full gym is beautiful, too, credit to Mersin for that. People love to watch spectacular and passion - I love to bring that, and many other players that bring that too. It’s amazing to see how far women’s sports have grown." While EuroCup Women silverware is obviously the main priority, there is also an opportunity on the horizon of a potentially glorious historical double. Vanloo will be looking to add to any EuroCup Women success with a first ever podium finish at the global level for Belgium. She will step out with the Cats at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin this September.
"It's definitely our goal with Belgium. We haven’t had a medal on the world stage yet," mused Vanloo.
"We were very close at the Olympics in Paris. One step needed more for us to reach that goal. We’re on the way, we’re working hard, we’re playing really well right now and have a great coach. "It would be great having a EuroCup Women title, and then going after the summer having a medal at the World Cup. It’s definitely a goal of mine, and something I’m working towards." Vanloo and her Mersin teammates will face Athinaikos Qualco in the second leg clash on Thursday, April 9.
FIBA