UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Emma Meesseman is able to assist the New York Liberty on their quest to repeat as WNBA champions.
The 2019 WNBA Finals MVP, who final performed within the league in 2022, will go well with up for the staff Friday evening towards the Connecticut Sun.
“Emma Meesseman’s return to the WNBA is an amazing second for our league, and the truth that she selected New York for her subsequent chapter speaks volumes,” stated New York Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb. “She is among the most expert, clever, and unselfish gamers on the earth and her presence elevates everybody round her. Emma brings invaluable expertise, championship pedigree, and a singular versatility that matches seamlessly into our group as we proceed our relentless pursuit of a title in 2025.”
Her arrival is a lift for the squad, which might be with out Breanna Stewart for a couple of weeks whereas she recovers from a bone bruise in her proper knee. New York is also with out Nyara Sabally (knee) and Kennedy Burke (proper calf pressure).
Meesseman performs ahead like Stewart, and can also be 6-foot-4.
The Liberty (17-9) are in second place within the standings regardless of having misplaced three straight video games. They’re within the midst of a busy stretch with three video games within the subsequent 5 days, enjoying twice in Connecticut on Friday and Sunday after which internet hosting Dallas on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old Meesseman is a two-time All-Star and helped the Washington Mystics win the 2019 title. She has been centered on main the Belgium nationwide staff since her final season within the WNBA, which she spent with the Chicago Sky. Meesseman performed with Natasha Cloud, whom New York acquired within the offseason, in Washington when the Mystics received their championship six years in the past.
Meesseman helped Belgium win the EuroBasket title final month to qualify for subsequent yr’s World Cup.
Even with out Stewart for the speedy future, the Liberty nonetheless have a proficient group round Meesseman with Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Cloud and Leonie Fiebich main the way in which.
Meesseman has dominated abroad in her time away from the WNBA. She was named the EuroBasket MVP twice prior to now three years. She helped Belgium attain the medal spherical on the Paris Olympics earlier than it misplaced to France in additional time within the semifinals after which Australia within the bronze-medal recreation.
The Liberty waived guard Jaylyn Sherrod to make room for Meesseman.
“Jaylyn Sherrod is a champion in each sense of the phrase. She embodies the fervour, grit, and relentlessness that outline town of New York,” Kolb stated. “Her rise from undrafted free agent to WNBA Champion is among the most exceptional tales I’ve had the nice fortune to witness, a testomony to perseverance, and a strong reminder to at all times push the boundaries and to by no means hand over.”