BRUSSELS (Belgium) - Belgian fans will be excited with the news that Julie Allemand has won her fitness race and has made the 12-player list for the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024.
Having sustained an injury a couple of months ago, it was unclear whether the playmaking ace would be able to participate at the Games and that would have been a seriously bitter blow for the reigning FIBA Women's EuroBasket champions.
Not least after being pitched into the 'Group of Death' with USA, Japan and Germany. But with Allemand in situ, the Cats will have all the main pieces that have brought them spectacular success in recent years.
Julie Vanloo will also bring the noise from the backcourt alongside Allemand, with head coach Rachid Meziane able to lean on wingers such as Antonia Delaere and Maxuella Lisowa-Mbaka.
However, it is in the paint where Belgium's biggest name is found - the majestic Emma Meesseman, who will again be the team leader and provide the main fuel to take the Cats on a deep run in the French capital.
Kyara Linskens and Bethy Mununga add further size and power in the paint, while there will be another Olympic sister act in place, with both Beckey and Billie Massey selected.
However there was disappointment for young Nastja Claessens and Serena Lynn Geldof who were the last players cut from the 14 player candidate list.
FIBA