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Another major withdrawal for Belgium, France’s opponent at EuroBasket!

EuroBasket - Retin Obasohan, former ASVEL player and Belgian Lions pillar, will not participate in EuroBasket 2025 in Katowice. Physically affected, the Belgian combo guard must withdraw from the competition, another setback for Belgium, France's opponent in the group stage.
Another major withdrawal for Belgium, France’s opponent at EuroBasket!
Photo Credit : FIBA

The Belgian national team, future opponent of France at EuroBasket 2025 in Group D in Katowice, will have to play without Retin Obasohan. The point guard/shooting guard, who played for ASVEL during the 2022-2023 season, is forced to withdraw from the continental competition due to an injury related to physical overload.

Another key player sidelined for the Belgian Lions

While the Belgian Lions are already missing several key players, including Toumani Camara, Ajay Mitchell and Thijs De Ridder, the announcement of Retin Obasohan’s (6’2″, 32 years old) withdrawal worsens the situation. The 31-year-old combo guard, currently under contract with Derthona in Italy, was one of the most experienced players in Dario Gjergja’s squad.

In a statement shared by Basket Belgium, it was specified that « during the training camp in Slovenia, it became apparent that Retin was suffering from an injury related to physical overload. He will therefore be sidelined for an extended period. »

A significantly weakened Belgian team to face France

This withdrawal adds to a long list of unavailable players. Besides Camara (Portland Trail Blazers) and Mitchell (NBA), Thijs De Ridder has joined the University of Virginia, Vrenz Bleijenbergh has gone to Australia, and Pierre-Antoine Gillet has ended his international career. Jo Van Buggenhout and Noah Meeussen will also be missing.

Belgium will therefore have to face France, Slovenia, Poland, Israel, and Iceland without several of its usual leaders. The challenge appears immense to hope for a top-four finish in the group, which would mean qualification for the round of 16 in Riga (Latvia).

A busy preparation before the Euro

Despite the absences, the Belgian Lions continue their preparation seriously. After a warm-up game in Greece this Wednesday, they will participate in a training camp in Finland (August 8-11), a triangular tournament in Ostend (August 15-17) against Great Britain and Bosnia-Herzegovina, then a final gathering in Bosnia (August 23-24). On August 25, they will arrive in Katowice to begin the competition.

Image Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
Another major withdrawal for Belgium, France's opponent at EuroBasket! - BeBasket