Special night for Belgian Cats' unsung hero and 'super glue' Delaere

ANTWERP (Belgium) - Every successful team needs someone to hold things together and to provide the glue for those around them and fortunately for Belgium, they have one of the best in Antonia Delaere. 

 

 

The winger is an unsung hero by far and if anyone is in any doubt as to her importance and influence for the Cats, consider this overlooked statistic. 

Delaere played 32 minutes per game in Belgium's Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 three years ago - more than anyone else on the team. Yes, more than Julie Allemand, more than Julie Vanloo, and even more than the incredible Emma Meesseman. 

Delaere is not just glue for the Cats, she is super glue. 

But unlike Meesseman, Allemand, or Vanloo, she doesn't get her name put up in the spotlights. Highlight reels are sparse and there's no clamor for her attention in the media - or at least compared to her colleagues.

Yet, Delaere is part of a key quarter that has been the driving force in Belgium's epic rise to prominence.

Delaere (far left) won gold at youth level for Belgium alongside the likes of Meesseman and Vanloo

Those who appreciate it most are her teammates, the coaching staff, and those who have been around her for some 15 years following her rise from the youth ranks to senior success.

Now Belgian Cats' fans are getting more appreciative of her priceless input on the court. And, on Friday night, the 29-year-old got to punch a ticket to Paris 2024 in her home city in front of her family and friends as her team rode past Senegal, 97-66.

"The crowd is amazing and ten years ago we played for maybe 50 people and now (Friday) it was sold out," said Delaere.

 

"To do this in Antwerp which is my home city is even more special, as the fans are amazing and they have been there from the first day.

"To do this together with the fans makes it even more special again and I had these 'chicken bubbles' [on my arms] coming onto the court. It's the best feeling ever.

"It's super nice to do this together with them [my family and friends] because they were there since I was super little," she added.

Delaere got to taste gold last year when Belgium won the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 title

Having never qualified for the Games, it's now two in a row for this Belgian generation and could history be waiting for the Cats when they head to their neighbors for the big event later this year?

For now, talk of a potential maiden podium spot is on ice, but it won't stay that way for long, since expectations are going to be high from this golden generation.

"I think we would never have believed that we could do this twice for such a little country," said Delaere.

"It's super special to do it with this group and I think we can still evolve. I think we can dream big for Paris but for the moment, let's just enjoy it," she smiled.

Delaere and Co will now enjoy Sunday's game against Nigeria and what will surely be a spine-tingling send-off to Paris 2024 from a crowd that could be in excess of 10,000. 

Then she will return to her core business with Perfumerias Avenida who have the EuroLeague Women Quarter-Finals lying ahead - further evidence of the level and value that Delaere brings to any team she plays on.

FIBA