Emma Meesseman: ''An upset against USA is always possible''

ANTWERP (Belgium) - The MVP of last year's FIBA EuroBasket Women's will compete for a second consecutive qualification to the Olympic Games, this time on home soil. The journey to France begins with a formidable challenge against the USA.

"An upset is always possible, especially since we have consistently played very well against the United States", said Emma Meesseman to L'avenir.net. "However, the most important thing is not to finish first in the group, but rather to qualify."

Belgium lost to USA in the Women's World Cup 2022

"I am happy to start with the USA because we will be directly confronted with a very high level of play. This will allow us to prepare well for what comes next. I want us to come out of this match better than when we started it," she added, her determination shining through her words.

Last summer at the FIBA EuroBasket Women's 2023, Emma was magnificent, lifting the trophy and being selected as TISSOT MVP. Throughout the competition, Meesseman averaged 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 steals. She emerged as the top scorer of the tournament and boasted by far the highest efficiency rating (29.8).

 

"Every tournament is different, and I won't put more pressure on myself just because we've already proven in the past that we can achieve something great. Sure, we are European champions, but here, it's a different level, and we still have another step to take," Meesseman continued, her focus unwavering.

"A second consecutive qualification to the Olympic Games would be truly incredible," she added. "I remember in Ostend during the qualifying tournament, we saw it as a dream to be able to participate in the Olympics. Now, we have the opportunity to be Olympians for a second time. I repeat, it's incredible."

Belgium finished second of the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament hosted in Ostend in 2020. Canada finished first and defeated the Cats. Meesseman was once again best scorer and signed the best efficiency rating of the event (20.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists, an efficiency of 22.0).

 

"I find it hard to imagine what it's going to be like here at the Sportpaleis. The previous Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Ostend remains one of the most beautiful memories of my career. I hope to experience the same thing here and achieve the same result," Meesseman concluded, her eyes filled with determination as she prepared to step onto the court and add another chapter to her legendary FIBA basketball legacy.

 

 

FIBA