The 2024 Paris Olympics start July 26 with ladies’s 5×5 basketball being one of the anticipated occasions. Among the many groups aiming for glory is the Belgian Nationwide Group, poised to make a memorable run on the worldwide stage.
A powerful pre-Olympic outlook
FIBA at the moment ranks Belgium No. 6 on the earth, and the staff has put collectively some outstanding wins in latest worldwide competitions. Belgium is driving an eight-game successful streak in worldwide play, with their final loss being to No. 1-ranked Group USA within the Olympic Qualifying Match in February by solely two factors. So it’s secure to say that this Belgian staff can, in reality, beat anybody.
One of many essential components for Belgium can be their roster, which incorporates a number of gamers with WNBA expertise. This worldwide publicity and high-level competitors have geared up the Belgian staff with the chemistry and expertise to problem the world’s finest.
With out Allemand, Meesseman is much more vital
Sadly, Belgium will be unable to reap the benefits of the dynamic duo of Emma Meesseman and Julie Allemand, who will miss the Video games with an damage.
Meesseman, recognized for her versatility and scoring capacity, has been a cornerstone of the Belgian staff. Her expertise within the WNBA with the Washington Mystics, the place she was named Finals MVP in 2019, is so invaluable to this squad. Her capacity to dominate within the paint and stretch the ground together with her taking pictures makes her a matchup nightmare for any protection. Belgium will play by means of Meesseman within the submit, and since she has such a measurement benefit, groups will double her, which ends up in open photographs for teammates.
Allemand would have complemented Meesseman completely. As a guard with nice courtroom imaginative and prescient and playmaking expertise, Allemand has a capability to manage the tempo of the sport and create scoring alternatives for her teammates that the Belgians will miss. Additionally they can be much less harmful with out her pulling down open photographs when the ball swings to her or attacking closeouts with both her scoring or playmaking. With out any such inside-outside menace from Meesseman and Allemand, Belgium is not going to be as powerful to cease for opposing defenses.
Julie Vanloo is the x-factor
Belgium boasts one other key participant in Julie Vanloo. Recognized for her sharp taking pictures and pick-and-roll synergy, Vanloo is a 31-year outdated WNBA rookie with loads of worldwide expertise that has helped her carry out properly within the league.
Her 3-point taking pictures can swing the momentum of a recreation, making her a significant part of Belgium’s assault. Throughout final yr’s KBSL league, Vanloo shot 38 p.c from 3 on 7.5 makes an attempt per recreation. In response to Synergy, Vanloo and Caitlin Clark are tied for many instances trapped and doubled in PNR conditions throughout this WNBA season.
Vanloo’s capacity to create 4-on-3 alternatives for the remainder of her teammates can be extraordinarily precious in Olympic competitors. I’ve highlighted a number of the different strengths and weaknesses in Vanloo’s recreation within the video under. These expertise can be useful to contemplate as Belgium navigates group play.
Closing ideas
The Belgian Nationwide Group has their eyes on the gold. With a roster that includes skilled WNBA gamers and a mix of complimentary offensive items, Belgium is able to problem the powerhouses. Their quest for gold begins Monday, July 29 within the preliminary spherical towards Germany.
