The Belgian Cats were also rewarded during the 2025 Sports Gala ceremony with the team of the year trophy and the title of Sportswoman of the Year for Meesseman.
Ajay Mitchell and OKC on the roof of the NBA
Oklahoma City climbed to the roof of the NBA, and a Belgian was there to celebrate. Fifteen years after Didier Mbenga, Ajay Mitchell became the second Belgian player in history to win an NBA championship ring. In 2025, the Thunder concluded their spectacular rise with a well-deserved historic title after a dominant season.
At the heart of a young and hungry collective, led by Canadian MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell will have had a promising first campaign. In the shadow of the stars, the Liège fullback has found his place. A humble and hardworking rookie, he brought his energy and demonstrated a maturity that was quickly noticed by the staff. A foot operation in February unfortunately slowed him down after a very convincing first part of the season but the Liège fullback was able to make his return for the playoffs. Enough to store invaluable experience that he is using this season to continue to grow, to the point of occupying an important place in the OKC squad now with more than 14 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists on average.
Oklahoma and Mitchell have undoubtedly not finished making headlines in the big American league.
Toumani Camara, king of defense
Toumani Camara has reached another milestone in 2025. Appreciated from the start for his work ethic and his defensive impact, the Belgian winger has definitively established himself as one of the most respected defenders in the NBA. His defensive versatility, capable of covering several positions, has attracted coaches and observers, to the point of seeing his name regularly cited among the references of the genre. A rare profile which earned him a role of choice in Portland.
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Without seeking the spotlight, Camara has earned the respect of the locker room and the public. His participation in the 2025 All-Star among the best second-year players is also proof of this. His contribution is not always measured by statistics, but his influence on the game is obvious. Enough to be elected to the second best defensive team of the year. A great individual recognition to crown a full year, that of confirmation at the highest level. And his rise continues with continually increasing offensive stats. Enough to make him an even more complete player.
Dario Gjergja leaves Ostend with a 14th title
Perhaps one day he will have a statue of him near the COREtec Dôme. A page in the history of Ostend was turned last summer with the departure of Dario Gjergja. Last June, the emblematic coach of the BCO concluded his 14-year adventure at the Coast on a 14e consecutive Belgian champion title. A record series for the most successful club in Belgium which even signed the double in 2025 by also winning the Cup.
Very emotional at the time of his end-of-season speech, Dario Gjergja has now started a new chapter in his career by joining the Limoges club in France.
Thijs De Ridder in a closed circle
At 22, Thijs De Ridder became the sixth Belgian to win a European club trophy on the men’s side. With Bilbao, the Antwerp player won the Fiba Europe Cup by defeating PAOK Salonika in the two-way final. A great distinction for the Belgian international who is currently continuing his development in the American university championship (NCAA) under the colors of Virginia.
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