How Belgium's National Basketball Team Is Rising in European Rankings
I remember watching Belgium's national basketball team a few years ago during the EuroBasket qualifiers, and honestly, they barely registered on my radar. Fast forward to today, and I find myself genuinely excited about their progress. The recent climb in European rankings isn't just a fluke—it's the result of deliberate adjustments and a shift in mentality that's becoming increasingly evident. I was particularly struck by a post-game comment from one of their key players after a tight match against Lithuania last month. He said, "Eh, siguro, nung last crucial stretch, na medyo inayos namin, naayos namin konti," which roughly translates to acknowledging how they managed to fix things during critical moments. That phrase stuck with me because it captures exactly what separates emerging teams from established powerhouses—the ability to adapt when it matters most.
What impresses me most about Belgium's rise is how they've built their system around player development while maintaining tactical flexibility. Unlike some national teams that rely heavily on one or two star players, Belgium has cultivated depth across positions. Over the past three years, their investment in youth academies has produced remarkable results—they've increased their pool of professional players in top European leagues from just 8 to nearly 22. I've followed their center, Ismael Bako's development since his early days at Antwerp Giants, and watching him evolve into a dominant force in the EuroCup has been fascinating. His defensive improvements alone have contributed to Belgium reducing their average points allowed per game from 84.2 to 76.8 since 2021. These aren't marginal gains—they're transformative changes that directly impact winning.
The coaching staff deserves significant credit too. I've always been partial to coaches who prioritize defensive discipline while encouraging creative offensive plays, and head coach Dario Gjergja has struck that balance beautifully. His decision to implement more pick-and-roll actions in half-court sets has increased their scoring efficiency dramatically—their field goal percentage in clutch situations has improved by nearly 7% compared to two seasons ago. What I appreciate about Gjergja's approach is his willingness to experiment with different lineups during less critical tournaments, which has paid dividends when facing unexpected injuries or foul trouble during important matches.
Belgium's recent performances against traditional European basketball powers demonstrate this growth vividly. Their overtime victory against France last November wasn't just lucky—it showcased their improved decision-making under pressure. During the final five minutes of regulation and overtime, they committed only two turnovers while forcing five from France. That's the kind of composure we typically associate with veteran teams like Spain or Serbia, not squads that were ranked outside the top 20 just four years ago. I've noticed their point guards, particularly Retin Obasohan, have developed better court vision and timing on entry passes, which has activated their big men more effectively in post-up situations.
Another aspect I find particularly compelling is how Belgium has leveraged their multicultural roster. With players developing in different basketball systems across Europe and occasionally the US, they've created a hybrid style that's difficult to prepare for. Unlike more predictable national teams that run set offenses, Belgium's players display remarkable adaptability within games. They'll switch between aggressive man-to-man defense and a 2-3 zone multiple times within a single possession, something I rarely see outside of NBA-level basketball. This versatility has become their trademark, and it's clearly disrupting opponents' offensive rhythms—their defensive rating has improved from 107.3 to 98.6 over the past 24 months according to my analysis of FIBA statistics.
What really convinces me about Belgium's sustainable growth is their focus on fundamental skills rather than relying on athleticism alone. During a scouting trip to Brussels last year, I watched their U20 team practice and was struck by the amount of time dedicated to footwork drills and situational awareness exercises. This emphasis on basics translates directly to their senior team's performance in close games. They're shooting 78% from the free-throw line in the final three minutes of games this season, up from 68% just two years ago. These might seem like small details, but in international basketball where games are often decided by single-digit margins, they make all the difference.
Looking at their upcoming schedule, I'm particularly excited about their chances in the next World Cup qualifiers. With emerging talents like Vrenz Bleijenbergh showing promise in the Belgian League and veterans like Maxime De Zeeuw providing stability, they have the right mix to continue this upward trajectory. While I don't see them challenging for a European championship immediately—the gap with Slovenia and France remains significant—their current ranking of 14th in Europe feels more like a stepping stone than a ceiling. If they maintain this developmental curve, I wouldn't be surprised to see them break into the top 10 within the next two years. The transformation has been remarkable to witness, and as someone who's followed international basketball for over fifteen years, I can confidently say Belgium has become one of the most compelling stories in European hoops.
