Olympian Raf Bogaerts quits 3X3 Lions and Team Antwerp and returns to classic basketball
Surprising news from the 3X3 project of Team Antwerp and the Lions. Raf Bogaerts (29) retired with immediate effect and returns to classic basketball and second division Gembo. “After a few conversations, we part ways after mutual consultation,” said the 2-meter Antwerp forward.
Patrick Ceulemans
In 2020 and 2021, Raf Bogaerts, together with Nick Celis, Thierry Mariën and Thibault Vervoort, was at the basis of the success of Team Antwerp. He qualified for the Olympic Games in Tokyo where the 3X3 Lions shone and narrowly missed out on a medal (fourth place). Bogaerts had a professional contract and was an enormous asset to Team Antwerp and the national team. In June last year, at the expense of Maxime Depuydt, he was not selected for the World Cup that took place in “his” Antwerp. Bogaerts handled it very professionally, but it was clear that something was broken. In recent months, they still came into action, but the spring leek is broken.
In the meantime, Caspar Augustijnen and Dennis Donkor had joined Team Antwerp. “A new professional contract with Sport Vlaanderen was waiting for me. After a few conversations, however, I have chosen to stop playing 3X3 basketball. Yes, I’ve found that I might miss a second Olympics. Those Tokyo Olympics remain an incredible memory for me. Never thought I’d be on that podium when I met my sport. I wish the team every success,” said Raf Bogaerts, who ended the year in 59th place in the individual 3X3 world rankings.
To Gembo, hoping for comeback in BNXT League
The affable Sinjoor now returns to Gembo. The second division team from Borgerhout where he was involved in all events last season. Raf Bogaerts also worked for higher Leuven Bears between 2015 and 2019. He hopes for a return to the highest level in the short term.
“My first focus is now on Gembo. A cool group of players with opportunities to play a significant role in second division. I now have to transform myself back into classic basketball. If that goes well, we’ll see what the outcome is. First division and the BNXT League? I don’t rule anything out and leave the door ajar,” says Raf Bogaerts, who will celebrate his comeback with Gembo in the derby against Kontich Wolves next Saturday.
Team Antwerp will continue with five players for the time being
Team Antwerp, number four in the world in the 3X3 ranking, will continue with five players for the time being: Nick Celis, Caspar Augustijnen, Thibaut Vervoort, Dennis Donkor and Bryan De Valck. In the immediate future, a minor player will more than likely go missing. In 2023, Team Antwerp will shine in the World Tour and meet the 3X3 Lions at the European and World Championships. It also hopes to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.