When Dario Gjergja, head coach of Belgium Men's National Basketball Team unveiled the final 12‑man squad on August 25, 2025, the basketball world took note: the nation’s leading scorer from the qualifiers, Retin Obasohan, was missing. The decision sent ripples through the group‑stage draw in Katowice, Poland, where Belgium will open against France on August 28.

Historical Context: Belgium’s EuroBasket Journey

Belgium is heading into its 19th appearance at EuroBasket, a streak that has stretched for six straight editions. The team’s best finish remains a fourth‑place showing back in 1947 – a distant memory that still haunts fans. Since the competition’s modern format was introduced in 2015, the Belgians have cracked the Round of 16 twice (2015, 2022) but fell out in the group stage in 2017 with a 1‑4 record that left them 19th overall.

Those numbers matter because they shape expectations. The nation’s basketball program, long shepherded by Gjergja, has been chasing that elusive semifinal berth for nearly a decade, and each roster decision now carries the weight of a nation hoping to rewrite its EuroBasket narrative.

Roster Details: Who Made the Cut?

The roster announced in Brussels after a preparatory friendly against Bosnia‑Herzegovina reads as follows:

• Ismael Bako (30) – centre, averaged 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in the qualifiers.
• Mamadou Guisse – forward, known for his perimeter shooting.
• Manu Lecomte – guard, 13.3 points per game during qualifying.
• Siebe Ledegen – forward, strong defensive presence.
• Joppe Mennes – guard, reliable ball‑handler.
• Jean‑Marc Mwema – guard, led the team with 2.3 steals per game in qualifiers.
• Loic Schwartz – forward, versatile scorer.
• Godwin Tshimanga – guard, effective on the fast break.
• Kevin Tumba – centre, averaged 1.0 block per game.
• Niels Van Den Eynde – forward, solid rebounder.
• Andy Van Vliet – guard, good three‑point shooter.
• Hans Vanwijn – forward, provides depth off the bench.

Notice the emphasis on size: Bako, Tumba and Van Den Eynde form a front‑court that the coaching staff hopes can dominate the paint against taller opponents like Slovenia and host Poland.

Coach’s Decision: Leaving Out Obasohan

The most eye‑catching omission is Retin Obasohan. In the qualifiers he posted 18.4 points, 5.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game – essentially a triple‑threat. When asked why the star was left out, Gjergja said, "We had to consider the health reports and the balance of the roster. The team needs a different look for the tournament, and Bako will be anchored in the middle."

Obasohan’s absence creates a leadership void, but Gjergja believes the younger core can step up. "We’ve built a culture where anyone can take the last shot," he added, smiling after the press conference.

Group D Outlook: Tough Competition Awaits

Belgium lands in Group D alongside perennial power France, rising Iceland, talent‑rich Slovenia, experienced Israel and the host nation Poland. The schedule is brutal:

1. August 28 – vs. France (17:00 CET, Katowice)
2. August 30 – vs. Iceland
3. September 1 – vs. Slovenia (featuring Luka Doncic)
4. September 3 – vs. Israel
5. September 5 – vs. Poland

Statistically, Belgium needs to finish in the top four to survive. Their defense, anchored by Bako’s two blocks per game in qualifying, will be tested against Doncic’s 28‑point average for Slovenia and France’s balanced attack.

Experts like Eurobasket analyst Michele Baroni note, “If Belgium can keep the games under 70 points and rely on fast‑break points, they have a shot at a surprise finish.”

Broader EuroBasket Landscape: Stars and Hosts

The tournament features 24 teams across four groups, with games staged in Cyprus, Finland, Latvia and Poland. The knockout phase moves to Riga, Latvia. NBA‑level talent will be on display: Luka Doncic (Slovenia), Nikola Jokić (Serbia), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Kristaps Porziņģis (Latvia), Lauri Markkanen (Finland) and Franz Wagner (Germany). For Belgium, the challenge isn’t just surviving the group but also matching up against players who have NBA contracts and Olympic experience.

Broadcast rights have been secured by DAZN, ensuring fans worldwide can stream every game, a boost for exposure that could help Belgium attract sponsorships and grow the sport domestically.

What’s Next: Preparation and Expectations

After the roster reveal, the team will head to a two‑day camp in Liège before flying to Katowice on August 27. The final friendly against Bosnia‑Herzegovina ended 78‑71 in Belgium’s favour, giving Bako his first double‑double of the tournament cycle.

Gjergja’s press conference concluded with a simple mantra: “Play together, stay disciplined, and enjoy the moment.” If the squad can live up to that, they might finally break the round‑of‑16 ceiling that has haunted them for a decade.