Belgian basketball fans will be disappointed to learn that two of their key NBA players, Ajay Mitchell and Toumani Camara, will not be available for the upcoming international window, which includes a game against France.
Ajay Mitchell (1.96m, 24 years old), who averaged 13.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, expressed his regret on social media.
“It is with great disappointment that I will not be able to join the Belgium Lions for the upcoming international window. Following my injury during the Western Conference Finals, my current priority is to focus entirely on my rehabilitation so that I can return at 100%…. Wearing the Belgian jersey means a great deal to me. It is my country, where I grew up, where I discovered basketball, and where it all began. I wish the Lions great courage for these upcoming games. I will be supporting the team and look forward to being back on the court in the Belgian jersey very soon.”
Mitchell has only represented the Belgian national team once before, during a qualification match for Euro 2021.
Power forward Toumani Camara (2.03m, 26 years old), who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers and recorded 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists this season, is also withdrawing from this international period.
“The moment for his debut with the Belgian Lions, for whom his commitment remains intact, would now only be a matter of time,” reported La Dernière Heure.
However, this delay might prove too late. Belgium currently remains winless in Group G of the World Cup qualifiers, having suffered four defeats.
