Bessoir Impresses at FIBA U20 European Challengers

Sofia, Bulgaria – Second-year forward Emily Bessoir recently finished a five-game stretch playing overseas at the FIBA U20 European Challengers, averaging an impressive 16.2 points per game for her native Germany while also leading the tournament in rebounding and blocked shots. Bessoir tallied at least 11 rebounds in each of her five games for Germany, averaging 13.8 boards per contest across her five games. She totaled 15 blocks and 11 steals for the tournament, but also got it done on the offensive event with four double-digit scoring outputs and a pair of 20-point performances. “Emily displayed all of her versatility on the court at the U20 European Challengers,” said UCLA Assistant Coach and international recruiting director, Tony Newnan. “At times, Emily was handling the ball and initiating the offense for Germany, but still managed to lead the tournament in rebounding and blocked shots. It was an outstanding opportunity to work on her leadership skills and still carry the load as the go to player for her team.  We are looking forward to her growing in that role for UCLA this season.” Bessoir helped the Germans to an opening-night victory over Croatia on July 13, grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds while contributing seven points at the other end. She was then dominant against Latvia, putting up 23 points, 17 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in the performance (July 14). Her second double-double of the tournament came against Bulgaria, a game that saw her go 6-for-6 from the free throw line en route to 19 points (July 15). She added 11 rebounds in the win for Germany. Bessoir notched her second 20-point performance of the Euro Challengers in Germany’s matchup against Belarus, as she tallied 20 points and 14 boards to record game-highs in both categories (July 17). She finished her tournament with a 12-point, 13-rebound performance against Italy, knocking down three triples and picking up an impressive six steals on the defensive end (July 18). Bessoir, ultimately, led the Germans in points (16.2 ppg), rebounds (13.8 rpg), and blocks (3.0 bpg) and compiled double-doubles in each of her final four games. She received the call to represent her country after earning Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors in her first season as a Bruin. She put up 7.5 points per game and tallied seven 10+ point performances on the year.