History Made! Belgium's Julie Allemand Shatters World Cup Assist Record!
Julie Allemand has made history by becoming the all-time assist leader in FIBA Women's World Cup history, surpassing Laia Palau's record with 111 assists. This achievement came during Belgium's crucial win over Australia, which secured their spot in the quarterfinals. Allemand's unselfish play and pass-first mentality were praised by both her coach and WNBA coach Sandy Brondello.In a historic moment for Belgian basketball and the FIBA Women's World Cup, Julie Allemand has ascended to the pinnacle of the tournament's assist list, surpassing Spain's Laia Palau's long-standing mark. Allemand achieved this remarkable feat during Belgium's decisive 80-68 victory over Australia, a win that crucially secured her team a spot in the FIBA women's quarterfinals. Her current career total stands at an impressive 111 assists, solidifying her place as the most prolific assist-maker in World Cup history.
Allemand's accomplishment extends beyond merely breaking a record; she has also overtaken the assist numbers of legendary players like Dawn Staley and Sue Bird during this very tournament. Expressing immense pride, Allemand stated, "I'm just so proud because for Belgium, this is how we play. We are so unselfish. I'm just happy to have that one as a special one, especially when you look at the names next to me." Her coach, Mike Thibault, echoed this sentiment during the postgame press conference, highlighting the significance of her achievement: "It's a huge accomplishment over here... The leading assist person in World Cup history after today. Some pretty good players on that list too, so I think that's pretty exciting."
The journey to this record-breaking moment saw Allemand start the tournament with 87 assists, rapidly adding 24 more in her first three games. The pivotal assist that broke Palau's record came with 1:58 left in the first half when Emma Meesseman successfully converted two free throws. It's important to note the distinction in assist crediting rules between FIBA and the WNBA; FIBA awards an assist when a player is fouled and subsequently makes the free throws, a practice not mirrored in the WNBA.
Further highlighting her basketball connections, Allemand plays under Australia's coach Sandy Brondello for the Toronto Tempo in the WNBA. Brondello, familiar with Allemand's playing style, expressed no surprise at her breaking the record. "I think it says a lot about what she does, she's a pass-first point guard," Brondello remarked, underscoring Allemand's fundamental approach to the game that ultimately led her to this historic World Cup milestone.