The NBA remains the dream of every basketball player. A dream that became a reality for Julie Allemand in March 2020 in Indiana. This season, she opted for the Los Angeles Sparks, the Lakers’ women’s team, a franchise that is one of the original eight teams in the WNBA, and which this season is still in contention for a playoff spot: “It remains the goal, but the competition is tough,” Julie explains. “In the last game against Washington, we were disappointed with the result because we had a chance to win. A lot can still happen. There’s one more game, then we’ll have a short break before picking up the pace again with the last nine games. We can only control our own performance, and we’ll also depend on the results of our competitors. It’s a league where anyone can beat anyone.”
Since returning from the EuroBasket Women, the Liège native’s role on the team has changed significantly. Her coach has made her her number one point guard and has repeatedly praised her performances: “I feel the importance I have in this group, and that makes me happy. My situation has definitely changed a lot since the EuroBasket. I have the coach’s confidence. But it’s also because I came back from Athens with a different mindset, and that makes things easier. A positive mindset is crucial for performing well.”
Julie Allemand was decisive during the EuroBasket, especially in that incredible final against Spain, where she was simply the most important player on the court. So, one might think that after such a successful EuroBasket and a run in the WNBA where she’s truly established herself, Julie is on another planet and at the peak of her game, but that’s not her perspective: “Honestly, I don’t consider myself to be at my best. This isn’t the game I play. Basketball in the WNBA is very different. Some players don’t care much about defense. So, in my position, I have to compensate for that, and it impacts my personal offensive contribution. But that’s how it is, and I accept my role. But if I were used differently, I could have much higher offensive statistics. My greatest strength is creating and leading others. So, I have to hold back a bit. But I’m dealing with it, and I feel good, I feel better. Once again, the mental strength I gained from the European title has been invaluable. But I’m also eager to get back to playing with Fenerbahçe, my club during the season, and to return to European basketball where my strengths can shine.” “To express herself to the best of her ability.”
In Los Angeles, Julie Allemand reunited with one of her national team teammates: Julie Vanloo. The other Julie has bounced back with the Sparks after a brutal and disrespectful end to her time with the Golden State Warriors. Understandably scarred by this painful experience, Vanloo also played a significant role in Allemand’s well-being: “Here in Los Angeles, we’re called The Cats simply because it’s the nickname of the Belgian team. Julie Vanloo’s arrival helped me tremendously. My first half of the WNBA season before leaving for EuroBasket wasn’t easy. I even hesitated to return to the US after EuroBasket. But having Julie with me, on and off the court, was crucial. It’s a shame we don’t play together much and that Julie hasn’t had many opportunities to showcase her abilities. But her presence completely transformed the second half of my season. And we’re going to try to finish things here on a high note together.”
At the end of her American adventure, Julie Allemand will return to the Turkish league with her club, Fenerbahçe, where she will reunite with her Istanbul teammate, Emma Meesseman, as well as Julie Vanloo, who has just signed with CBK Mersin.
“My wish for the future is to maintain my physical fitness over the long term. I hope to be done with injuries; I’ve had a lot of them. I want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, enjoy myself, and also win trophies like the EuroLeague with Fenerbahçe, and win many more games with the Sparks and also with the national team.”
