EUROPEAN TEAMS SHINE IN FIBA WOMEN’S OLYMPIC QUALIFYING TOURNAMENTS

Four European nations will join hosts France at Paris 2024 following FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments

Four European nations will join hosts France in the women’s basketball tournament at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 after they secured their quota spots at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

The four FIBA Qualifying Tournaments were held in Belgium, Brazil, China and Hungary between 8 and 11 February, where Belgium, Germany, Serbia and Spain all booked their spots at the first Olympic Games to be held in Europe since London 2012. It is the first time that the German women’s basketball team have qualified for the Olympic Games.

They will compete against France in Paris, who are automatically given a quota place in the tournament as the host nation. The presence of five European sides in the 12-team competition highlights the strength and talent within the European basketball community.

France’s Gabby Williams: A Standout Performer

Despite France already being assured of a spot at Paris 2024, Gabby Williams emerged as one of the standout players at the qualifying tournament held in Xi’an, China. Despite playing an average of just 20.8 minutes per game, Williams showcased her exceptional skills by averaging an impressive 16.3 points and 2.7 steals per game. Her dynamic presence on the court will excite home crowds at the Olympic Games, where her performances could help the French team compete for medals.

Belgium’s Emma Meesseman: A Driving Force

Belgium’s Emma Meesseman played a pivotal role in her team’s success during the qualifiers in Antwerp, where record-breaking crowds witnessed her stellar performances. Meesseman recorded 17.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, displaying both scoring prowess and an ability to dominate the boards as Belgium secured their second-ever Olympic quota spot in women’s basketball.

European Presence: A Cause for Celebration

As the excitement builds for the upcoming Olympic Games, the European basketball community can take pride in having more teams qualified than any other continent.

Four European teams competed at Tokyo 2020, where France beat Serbia in the bronze-medal match, and the addition of a further team is testament to the continuous growth and competitiveness of women’s basketball in Europe.