ZRENJANIN (Serbia) - The broad smile across the face of Kim Mestdagh was one that transmitted a palpable mixture of sheer delight and also considerable relief as she walked off the court in Zrenjanin.

The relief came not only because Belgium managed to escape opening day of the so-called 'Group of Death' by outlasting Russia 67-54, but because the dynamics of the Cats have changed. 

Not by much. But, it has changed.

NEWFOUND STRESS AND SURPRISE FACTOR NO MORE

The core elements that made everyone fall in love with them in these past two years and especially at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 remain. The ball movement, the team ethic, the fun factor and everything that makes them feel so fresh and exciting.

But for the first time ever, Belgium arrived at a major tournament with expectations. Seriously big expectations. And, as much as the players try to ignore it, being tipped for the title itself (as number in our Power Rankings for example) means that the sands have shifted.

"Heading into a major tournament like this can feel really stressful," conceded Mestdagh.

"For me personally, I am feeling a lot more pressure with the Cats this year coming from that bronze medal and then the fourth place [at the Worlds in Tenerife].

"I would say the surprise factor that we once had, is totally gone now and every team we play is now ready for us more than ever.

 
"I was very focused for this first game because I knew that Russia were a big team with some big names. Even if they are mostly young, I was scared that one day they can show up and give you a hard time and make great a lot of great shots.

"I was ready and I was hoping the team would also be ready for the battle. We were and I was so happy that we resisted them very well."

From just having fun and enjoying the ride, Belgium now have to take account of the new demands on them. From media and fan interest, to their own hopes and dreams that they can make a deep run. It means that more than ever before, they must ensure they have a 'release valve' - a fact not lost on Mestdagh.

She said: "We are all focused on still being in our flow and fortunately we have a couple of girls on the team who are actually into music and their dancing.

"They work hard to keep that relaxing feeling and the fun in the team."

TIME FOR THE SPOTLIGHT

If you take a cold hard look at the statistics and watch the games in full from the last Final Round and especially that amazing debut by Belgium at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup last year, you can't deny that Mestdagh has had a raw deal when it comes to recognition.

She shot the ball brilliantly in both tournaments, showed leadership and composure in big moments, yet was overshadowed by a couple of her teammates. Emma Meesseman made the All-Star Five and Julie Allemand equaled the tournament record for assists. Consequently, Mestdagh didn't have a deserved spotlight thrust upon her.

"If I can do the same thing as I did in Tenerife, I would sign up for that right away. But ultimately it is true that it is this team that is very close to my heart," she mused.

"Especially because we have been working for these kind of enjoyable moments for more than 10 years now. We are just so happy to see everything is finally working out and really, that is all that matters to me.

"I would be more upset if I was not playing well or contributing as I should - much more than ever being looked past in terms of any personal recognition.

"Our success is built on the team coming first, always," emphasized Mestdagh for good measure.

MAGIC OF THE MYSTICS AND WNBA

Of course she has recently been able to put herself more central on the women's basketball radar after making her WNBA debut with the Washington Mystics. Candid about the fact that she thought the WNBA ship had sailed, you sense the pride and excitement in her voice as she speaks about having recently achieved one of her career goals.

She commented: "They were  actually interested earlier and it was after the FIBA Women's EuroBasket in 2017, but I was physically done. I couldn't do it mentally at the time either and I have to admit that I had wondered if I had lost my only chance to go.

"But, after the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, they were interested again and they contacted me. I then had the complication of needing to play at this Final Round, but they understood.

"They already knew that Emma was playing and how important it was to her too. So, they let me come here to play with my team and it has been absolutely great in every way. I have to say it is really nice as I never actually thought it was going to happen in my career."

CATS PRODUCING ROLE MODELS

The WNBA line on her resume means that Mestdagh is now even more of a role model. She is not only a star with the Cats. Back in Belgium, she thinks it matters because what she is doing is showing young talents in her homeland what is possible. 

"I think that the domestic league is not the highest level as most teams are not fully professional, but I think as Cats, we are all showing that you can work your way into the very top European leagues," explained Mestdagh.

"I am an example of that and I also went to play College in the States and then started my pro career with a smaller team in Spain and gradually, year by year, I found a way to get to the highest level.

"Our whole team is an example of players working hard for themselves yes, but also for the team. And it really is quite difficult to describe just how great it feels to play for Belgium now after 10 years or so of not getting the results we wanted previously.

"It really does feel amazing," added Mestdagh as she headed back to the locker rooms - no doubt to check out what tunes were dropping and which of the Cats was first up to dance. 

FIBA