Julie Allemand (Belgium): "We've Shown We Can Beat Everyone"
During their World Cup qualifying campaign in China, the Belgian Cats made a strong impression, dominating opponents with an average margin of 31 points, including a notable 80-65 victory over China. Their collective play was outstanding, evidenced by their average of 31.2 assists per game, setting a record of 40 against South Sudan in World Cup qualifying history. Neither the long journey nor the jet lag appeared to affect their performance.
Julie Allemand, formerly a point guard in the French league, was named the tournament's MVP, highlighting her individual excellence. However, the team's depth was also a crucial factor, with bench players contributing an average of 38 points per game, even amidst minor injuries to Billie Massey and Bethy Mununga.
Having previously secured two 4th-place finishesβat the 2018 World Cup in Tenerife and the 2024 Paris OlympicsβBelgium is now setting its sights on a world podium finish in Berlin.
"We've shown we can beat everyone. We are no longer outsiders. If everyone is at their best level, we can dream big," declared Julie Allemand.
Nevertheless, much like France, Belgium will have to contend with the constraints of the WNBA schedule, which could impact the length of their preparation time.
"If, before the World Cup, we can only train together for one week while other teams have six weeks, the difference will be noticeable," Emma Meesseman warned.
Fresh materials β Sports News
Australia Finalizes Squad for Women's World Cup
As the French team makes gradual progress, the Australian Opals have already finalized their definitive roster for the Women's World Cup, scheduled to take place in Berlin from September 4th to 13th, 2026. Six players who earned bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be part of the
France Edges Past Slovakia to Reach U18 EuroBasket Quarter-finals
Despite not being entirely convincing in the initial group stage, the French U18 national team managed to secure their qualification for the European Championship quarter-finals. They achieved this by overcoming Slovakia with a hard-fought 72-60 victory, although the win was not without its la
EuroCup 2026-2027 Season Schedule Revealed
Following the EuroLeague, the EuroCup has unveiled its complete 2026-2027 season schedule. The new format promises a total of 224 regular season games, running from Tuesday, September 29, 2026, to Wednesday, January 13, 2027, with an additional 45 playoff encounters possible. Thirty-two te
Nanterre Completes Roster with German Champion J'Wan Roberts
Nanterre 92 has successfully filled its roster for the 2026-2027 season, with July not yet over. Following the signings of Xavier Castaneda and Devin McGlockton, the Hauts-de-Seine club has announced its third and final acquisition: American big man J'Wan Roberts. After concluding his fiv
Marine Fauthoux Signs with Galatasaray, Joining Janelle SalaΓΌn
Marine Fauthoux will indeed be playing in Turkey. After being sidelined for the entire 2025-2026 season due to a knee injury, she will join her fellow French player Janelle SalaΓΌn at Galatasaray next season. The Turkish club officially confirmed the news, which had been circulating for a month,
OrlΓ©ans Basketball Club Poised for American Investment
OrlΓ©ans Loiret Basket may be on the cusp of a significant transformation. A municipal council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 13th, will determine the fate of the club's sale to a consortium of three American investors: Ben Jenkins, Matt Hong, and Jamie Zaninovich. Several of their associa