Breaking: Belgium Returns to EuroBasket, Aiming Higher Despite Injury Setback
In a major development for European basketball, Belgium has secured its sixth consecutive qualification for the FIBA EuroBasket, set to take place in Katowice, Poland, from September 1st to 18th. This year’s campaign, however, faces a significant hurdle with the injury of star player Retin Obasohan, leaving the team’s fortunes resting on the broad shoulders of center Ismael Bako.
Belgium, which only qualified for the Final Round once between 1981 and 2009, has seen a resurgence in recent years, qualifying six times in a row since 2011. Despite their success in recent qualifiers, Belgium has not made it past the Round of 16 since 1977. Their best finish was fourth place back in 1947.
With Obasohan out, all eyes are on Bako, the 30-year old veteran who comes into his third EuroBasket tournament. Standing at 208 cm (6’10”), Bako is a force to be reckoned with in the paint and has established himself in both club and national competitions. Fans will hope his performances can echo or even surpass his World Cup Qualifiers averages of 12.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Belgium’s journey begins on August 28 with a challenging game against France. They will also face Iceland, Slovenia, Israel, and Poland in the group stage. With the injury of their star player, Belgium faces an uphill battle, but with Bako leading the charge, they’ll be hoping to exceed expectations and make a run for the knockout rounds.
Belgium: From EuroBasket Qualifiers Regulars to Rebuilding Without Obasohan
Brussels, Belgium – FIBA EuroBasket’s regulars, Belgium, have secured their 19th qualification, marking their sixth straight appearance. However, with star player Retin Obasohan out due to injury, the team faces an uphill battle in their quest to replicate past success.
Schedule Kickstarts Against France
Belgium’s EuroBasket journey begins on August 28, taking on France at 17:00 CET. Their group stage also includes games against Iceland, Slovenia, Israel, and Poland. The full FIBA EuroBasket 2025 schedule can be accessed here.
Obasohan’s Absence Leaves typhus for Bako
Belgium’s loss of Retin Obasohan due to injury has opened the door for Ismael Bako to step into the spotlight. The 30-year-old center, standing at 208 cm (6’10”), will now shoulder the responsibility as the team’s centerpiece.
A stalwart in Belgium’s campaigns and a regular in European club competitions, Bako will be expected to deliver in the paint. In the recent World Cup Qualifiers, he averaged 12.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential to fill the void left by Obasohan.
Belgium’s EuroBasket History
Belgium’s best finish in EuroBasket was fourth place back in 1947. Since the millennium, they’ve breached the top 10 only once, achieving ninth place in 2013. The new format has seen Belgium reach the Round of 16 twice, in 2015 and 2022, falling short in 2017.
How TheyQualified
Belgium’s qualification campaign saw them win three out of six games. Highlights include a 75-60 victory over Slovakia and a nail-biting 83-85 loss to Latvia.
Where Will Belgium Finish?
The loss of Obasohan could push Belgium out of contention for the top spots, but poll results remained ambiguous, leaving fans hopeful.
Get Your Tickets Now
Don’t miss out on the action. Tickets for the EuroBasket are available now. Don’t forget to download the official EuroBasket app to stay updated on the latest news and results.
Did you know? Belgium has not reached the medal round since 1947. Can Bako and the rest of the team rewrite history?
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