BERLIN (AP) — In a standout performance that cemented her place in international basketball history, Belgian point guard Julie Allemand has become the all-time assist leader in FIBA Women’s World Cup history, breaking a record that had stood for years. Allemand surpassed former Spanish star Laia Palau’s previous benchmark of 108 career assists during the first half of Belgium’s 80-68 victory against Australia, a win that locked in Belgium’s place in the tournament’s quarterfinal round. By the end of the match, Allemand had pushed her career World Cup assist total to 111, a mark that now outpaces not only Palau but also two of the most legendary names in women’s basketball: Dawn Staley and Sue Bird.
Speaking after the game, Allemand framed her historic achievement as a reflection of her national team’s collective playing style rather than an individual win. “I’m just so proud because for Belgium, this is how we play,” she said. “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.”
Belgium head coach Mike Thibault emphasized the magnitude of Allemand’s milestone during the postgame press conference, singling out the guard for her consistent playmaking prowess. “It’s a huge accomplishment over here,” Thibault said. “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.”
Entering the 2024 tournament, Allemand already held 87 career World Cup assists. She added 24 more in the opening three games of this year’s event, setting the stage for her record-breaking play. The milestone assist came with 1:58 remaining in the first half, when Allemand set up teammate Emma Meesseman, who was fouled and sank both of her resulting free throws. Unlike WNBA rules, FIBA officially credits an assist to the player who creates the scoring opportunity even when the basket comes via foul shots, allowing Allemand to officially claim the record on that play.
An interesting subplot to the match: Allemand currently plays alongside Australia head coach Sandy Brondello in the WNBA, where the pair leads the Toronto Tempo. Brondello made clear after the game that Allemand’s historic achievement came as no shock to her, pointing to the guard’s well-known selfless playing style. “I think it says a lot about what she does, she’s a pass-first point guard,” Brondello said.