According to Sporza, the Belgian Cats basketball team has begun its official training camp for the upcoming World Cup without three key starters: Julie Allemand, Kyara Linskens, and Antonia Delaere. The trio is currently finishing the WNBA season in the United States, leaving head coach Mike Thibault to navigate the final weeks of preparation with a 16-player pre-selection.
Impact of WNBA Commitments on World Cup Preparation
With just over three weeks remaining before the World Cup tips off, missing three starters presents a unique logistical challenge for the Belgian squad. However, according to coach Mike Thibault, every major contender faces the same hurdle.
“Iedereen heeft dat nadeel, voor ons is dat een minder groot probleem,” Thibault told Sporza, noting that countries like France, Australia, Spain, and Germany also have multiple athletes competing in the WNBA.
To keep the absent players integrated, the coaching staff sends regular video footage overseas, according to Thibault. Delaere, Linskens, and Allemand are scheduled to rejoin the Belgian roster around the second exhibition match against Japan on August 30, with a possibility that one or two might arrive ahead of the first game against Japan on August 28, as reported by Sporza.
Exhibition Matches Against Italy Provide Early Benchmark
The Belgian Cats open their weekend exhibition schedule with two games against Italy, a team that reached the European Championship semifinals last year. Player Julie Vanloo expects a tough physical test against the Italian side.
“Het is een tegenstander die het ons moeilijk heeft gemaakt op het EK,” Vanloo told Sporza. “In dat opzicht is het een goede sparringpartner. Italië is snel, agressief en heeft goede lopers.”
Star player Emma Meesseman emphasized that the weekend matches serve primarily as an internal evaluation rather than pure entertainment for fans. According to Meesseman, the team wants to see where standing points, faults, and areas for improvement lie before the tournament officially begins.
Personal Choices and Roster Decisions
While Allemand, Linskens, and Delaere are abroad, other roster adjustments have shaped the team. Julie Vanloo missed out on a WNBA contract following a training camp with the LA Sparks and a brief interim period with the New York Liberty. Despite that outcome, Vanloo told Sporza that returning home to spend time with friends and family left her feeling mentally refreshed.
Emma Meesseman chose to skip the WNBA season entirely to secure quality time with her family. “Soms is het leven meer dan basketbal alleen,” Meesseman stated via Sporza, adding that she feels rested and ready for international play.
Coach Thibault still faces tough choices as he pares the 19-player training pool down to the final World Cup selection. According to Thibault, every training session is filmed and evaluated competitively to help the staff make the final cuts.
Integration of Youth and Team Chemistry
The pre-selection features a mix of veteran leadership and incoming young talent. Vanloo noted that she enjoys taking younger players under her wing, even participating in TikTok videos to bridge the generational gap within the squad.
“De jeugd van tegenwoordig heeft geen gêne,” Meesseman remarked to Sporza regarding the newcomers. “Je zou het niet zeggen dat ze hier voor de eerste keer zijn.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the missing Belgian Cats players return from the WNBA?
According to coach Mike Thibault, Antonia Delaere, Kyara Linskens, and Julie Allemand are expected to rejoin the team around August 30 for the second game against Japan, with a chance one or two may arrive by August 28.
Who are the Belgian Cats playing in their opening World Cup group matches?
Group C matches feature Belgium playing Turkey on September 4, Puerto Rico on September 6, and Australia on September 7, based on the tournament schedule.
Why did Emma Meesseman skip the WNBA season?
Emma Meesseman chose to skip the WNBA season to spend quality time with her family and rest mentally and physically before the World Cup, as reported by Sporza.
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