Emma Meesseman Returns to WNBA with New York Liberty
Belgian basketball player Emma Meesseman is making her comeback to the US WNBA after a three-year hiatus, signing with the New York Liberty, the defending champions currently positioned second in the league. According to US media reports, the 32-year-old power forward’s return is contingent on her visa status, as stated by ESPN, which may affect the timing of her entry into the US.
If she secures her visa shortly, Meesseman could potentially play on Saturday against the LA Sparks, where her fellow Belgian teammates Julie Vanloo and Julie Allemand are also competing. The trio was part of the national team that successfully defended their EuroBasket title in June.
Having previously spent three years with the Turkish club Fenerbahçe, Meesseman’s experience in the WNBA spans eight seasons with the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky. Notably, she won a WNBA championship in 2019 with the Mystics under current national coach Mike Thibault and earned the finals MVP title.
The return of Meesseman to the WNBA is a significant move, highlighting her ongoing impact in women’s basketball both in Europe and the US, as she aims to contribute to the Liberty’s pursuit of another championship.
Meesseman’s extensive background and previous success in the league are expected to bolster the Liberty as they prepare for the remainder of the season, further solidifying the team’s title aspirations.
According to experts, her experience and skill on the court will be invaluable assets not just for the Liberty but for her fellow Belgian players, fostering strong competition within the league.
This return is highly anticipated within the basketball community, and many fans eagerly await her first game back in the league, reports 24brussels.