In a surprising move that sent ripples through the basketball world, former WNBA head coach Mike Thibault has been appointed as the new head coach of the Belgium women’s national basketball team. The announcement comes on the heels of Belgium’s heart-wrenching loss to Australia in the bronze medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 74-year-old Thibault, who most recently served as the general manager of the Washington Mystics, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to his new role. With over two decades of coaching experience in the WNBA, including stints with the Connecticut Sun and the Mystics, Thibault has established himself as one of the most respected coaches in women’s basketball.
A Star-Studded Squad Awaits
Thibault inherits a talented Belgian team, affectionately known as the Belgian Cats, that features a core of seasoned veterans. Led by the likes of Emma Meesseman, Julie Vanloo, and Julie Allemand, the squad has consistently been on the cusp of greatness in recent years.
I am honored to be the new coach of the Cats. The enormous growth of this team is recognized and respected worldwide and I was privileged to experience this up close.
– Mike Thibault
Thibault’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Belgian basketball. The team’s heart-breaking loss to Australia in the bronze medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics left them tantalizingly close to a historic podium finish. With Thibault at the helm, the Belgian Cats will be looking to take that next step and establish themselves as a true powerhouse on the international stage.
A Winning Pedigree
Throughout his illustrious coaching career, Thibault has proven himself to be a master tactician and a leader who knows how to get the best out of his players. His tenure with the Washington Mystics saw the team reach new heights, including a WNBA championship in 2019.
Thibault’s experience extends beyond the WNBA as well. He has previously served as an assistant coach with USA Basketball, helping the national team capture gold medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.
Mike Thibault is a fantastic coach and he has a profile that is completely in line with what we had in mind. He has proven in his career that he is a real winner and he is a coach who can give a team that extra push.
– Koen Umans, Belgium National Team General Manager
The Road Ahead
Thibault’s first challenge will be to guide Belgium through the qualification process for next year’s FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany. With a roster brimming with talent and now under the guidance of one of the most accomplished coaches in women’s basketball, expectations will be high for the Belgian Cats.
The appointment of Mike Thibault as the head coach of the Belgium women’s national basketball team represents a bold move and a statement of intent. With Thibault’s winning pedigree and the undeniable talent of the Belgian Cats, the stage is set for an exciting new chapter in Belgian basketball history.
As Thibault himself put it:
This is a team where the key players are at the height of their careers and I look forward to playing for the prizes in the coming years. I will do everything I can to get the most out of this special group.
– Mike Thibault
The basketball world will be watching with bated breath as Thibault and the Belgian Cats embark on this new journey together. Will they be able to capture that elusive Olympic medal? Will they establish themselves as a true force to be reckoned with on the international stage? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: with Mike Thibault at the helm, anything is possible.
