Emma Meesseman’s Belgian national squad pulled off what most people thought would be impossible. Overall, they had quarterfinal aspirations. But now, they are on the podium as the third best team in Europe! The Belgians beat Greece, 78-45 on Sunday afternoon.
This is a history making performance for Belgium. Not just because they qualified for their first World Cup next year and have a shot at an Olympic berth. This is also because this is Belgium’s best performance ever in EuroBasket. Very few saw this coming!
King Filip already gave his congratulations (in Dutch):
Proficiat @TheBelgianCats ! Brons! #EuroBasketWomen2017 #CongratsCats
— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) June 25, 2017
I think this has been on Meesseman’s mind for a while.
One day I'll be there! #NumberOneDream #Olympics #chasingdreams
— Emma Meesseman (@EmmaMeesseman) August 5, 2016
This could have been a one woman show, but it was not.
Hell yeahhhhhhh!!!! We deserve this! I absolutely love this team!
— Emma Meesseman (@EmmaMeesseman) June 25, 2017
This is such a special accomplishment, I hope Mystics fans can appreciate it. Winning is winning. This Belgian Cats team really embodies what works for a defensive minded team. Chill factor ten. We all love players that emote.
But what if they don’t and they pull off come-back after come-back? And have the second highest efficiency rating in the tournament by Emma Meesseman. I can assure you that she did not have an EDD like teammate on the Cats.
The Cats just have something else.
.@TheBelgianCats make history in emphatic fashion and claim the bronze medal at FIBA #EuroBasketWomen2017 .
— FIBA (@FIBA) June 25, 2017
https://t.co/ytyR0Odd0V pic.twitter.com/rdO2sxgehc
While Meesseman has been away, gelling with her national team, this was a golden opportunity for Elena Delle Donne and Tayler Hill to get acquainted. I thought they would have nine wins by July. They are two short and playing the Sky in just a couple hours as of the time of this post
I really hope that the Mystics watched these games.
I have to say again that Marjorie Capreaux, Kim Mestdagh and Ann Wauters seem to bring out the best in Emma Meesseman.
Let me be clear. I would love to see Kim Mestdagh get at least a tryout with the Mystics. There was a lot to like from the 27 year old. Quickness, toughness, shots.
But we could have seen highlights from Marjorie Capreaux during this tournament for days.
A strong start for @TheBelgianCats , who are up by 11 at HT. @AnnWauters12 with 10 . #EuroBasketWomen2017
— FIBA (@FIBA) June 25, 2017
https://t.co/Hz9AyO0s6j pic.twitter.com/XxrqWGpURo
She was so fun to watch. This whole team was. The Cats need more size and experience. But they have young players that could help with one of those two things. Now, they have a year to figure it out.
...
But kudos to Emma!
@EmmaMeesseman
— кукольный Дональд (@ElleLovesTennis) June 25, 2017
On behalf of all Mystics and @BulletsForever fans
Congratulations on your Medal and your leadership. Well Done. pic.twitter.com/7kOo8nxhZM