The FIBA World Cup has been a prime opportunity for undervalued players to showcase their abilities on the biggest stage. Belgium's star center Emma Meesseman has grabbed this opportunity with both hands and is on the verge of leading her national team deep into the tournament. It's about time WNBA franchises stopped sleeping on Meesseman's versatile attributes.
Meesseman has been in scintillating form during the FIBA World Cup, and her dominant performance during Belgium's 80-68 victory over Australia was just the latest showing that should put WNBA teams on notice. The former New York Liberty center just missed out on an awe-inspiring triple-double, scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and three stocks, while shooting 55.6% from the floor.
Meesseman's impressive work in the paint has so far cemented her place as the second-highest scorer in the competition (18.3 points per game). What has been even more remarkable is her ability to facilitate offensive plays for her teammates. However, even as the Belgian establishes a reputation as an international star, WNBA franchises continually let her positive attributes slip through the net.
Emma Meesseman would make a big impact at a leading franchise
Nobody is tipping Meesseman to lead a franchise into a championship era, but now utilising a player with such versatility feels criminal. Even from the bench, the 2013 second-round pick would be an effective option no matter what role was handed to her.
Whenever Meesseman has been given a platform to shine, she has rarely let her teammates down. In 2025, the Belgian was an understudy to Jonquel Jones in New York and proved to be a formidable presence, even when placed in the starting lineup.
Despite being limited to just 17 appearances after a three-year absence from the league, Meesseman averaged 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while shooting 57.2% from the floor.
Her inability to hold down a consistent roster spot at a franchise has been frustrating, to say the least. The prioritization clause in the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) required players with more than two years of WNBA experience to return to the league from their overseas commitments before the season began-- or be forced to miss the entire campaign.
Given the lack of financial benefits players received from the WNBA during this version of the CBA, role players had no choice but to head overseas when the American schedule had been completed
Now, Meesseman continues to ply her trade for the Turkish outfit Fenerbahce at a time when several franchises could utilise the services of an experienced center. Considering the Golden State Valkyries have a strong European core on their roster, it is surprising that a franchise with such ambitious leadership wouldn't move for a player who would add key depth to a relatively sparse position.
It is hard to believe that Emma Meesseman will not return to the WNBA when the 2027 season arrives. Her FIBA World Cup antics prove that she is more than capable of performing when the spotlight shines the brightest. Eventually, a franchise will realise the error of their ways and sign the Belgian to their roster.
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