For Billie Massey, taking up basketball was a mere influence of her niece, who she followed into the sport. It all began 18 years ago in her hometown of Ostend. Since then, she has been developing in pace. Her making it to the Olympics roster is crystal clear that she makes up a strong case to step on to the next level.

While her scores are a highlight of her career, there is something else that encourages her to keep going—her twin sister. Read on to know more about the Belgian Cats’ Olympic twin powers, Becky and Billie Massey.

A shared basketball journey

For Billie and Becky Massey, there’s one more thing they share besides their date of birth: a passion for basketball. Both twins take equal responsibility for keeping each other motivated—on and off the court. “We are very supportive of each other and literally do everything together,” says Billie.

While Billie Massey’s basketball journey started way back when she was six, Becky’s started in high school. According to her LinkedIn, Becky began her professional basketball journey with Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen VZW in 2016. Since then, Becky aimed to get enlisted on the Belgian national roster.

The two twins played on numerous youth teams starting 2015. But the most memorable of them all was in the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship in Sopron. The two together not only won the championship, but Billie went on to be named the MVP.

Massey Twins Belgian cats’ power

“It’s like a bond that you just don’t have with anyone else, and it’s a great feeling being on the court with her, too,” Billie said recalling the moment via FIBA. Becky had averaged 6.7 points and 8.3 rebounds that year. But the biggest moment of the former’s career by stats, came only a year later.

In her final appearance as a member of the National Youth Team, Billie averaged her best, 15.3 points and 16.7 rebounds to help Belgium to a 4th place finish at 2019 FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship.

“Obviously, we wanted a medal, and it is nice to be recognized in the All-Star Five, but it was a shame especially being that close to a medal,” she said after her team lost the final step on the podium against Spain by 58-52. She had made the All-Star just months before.

Despite losing, Massey was on the winning side as she knew, “Now it is my scoring that I have to work a lot on.” Additionally, she stood out by leaving a mark on the tournament with a double-double opening against Hungary, contributing 20 points and 23 rebounds. As it was an Olympic year, her performance became even more crucial. And finally, she did what she always had in mind.

Olympics a dream come true

Billie got enlisted in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics roster. “The Olympics is something I’ve always wanted to go to—it would be nice, but we will see,” she had said previously. However, the team returned with a seventh-place finish. Fast forward to 2024, the Belgian Cats are giving it another go, this time with the Massey twins playing together.

While Billie currently boasts an average of 6.8 points with 5.9 rebounds, Becky Massey averages 3.3 points with 2 rebounds per game. However, the Massey sisters and their Belgian Cats fell short in overcoming the immense competition from Team Germany in the first round of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Despite pouring in all efforts, the team lost 83-69. But still, they got a chance to make a comeback at their only second Olympics. For that, they need to win against Team USA, coming off an impressive 102-76 win over Japan. This will mark the second game both teams will play in a span of six months.

Last time, Team USA faced off against the Belgian Cats at the Olympic qualifying tournament. In a dramatic finish, the Red Cats tested the vaunted Team USA, whereas the USA concluded with a second tip-in basket. Sure enough, the upcoming game will not be a smooth sail for the Belgian Cats as Team USA is a team that has won every gold since the 1996 Olympic Games.

Now, the question is: Will the Belgian Cats, led by the Massey twins, be able to overcome the intense competition from Team USA vying for their eighth consecutive gold? Stay tuned to find out!

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.