Who Will Take Control in Top Division Men 2 This Season?

We are already two game days into both groups of Top Division Men 2, which means it’s time to look ahead and see which teams might be the ones to beat.

Top Division Men 2A

For convenience, let’s first take a look at Group A and then Group B. In TDM2A, every team has played two games so far, and three of the 14 teams have started with a perfect 2-for-2 record.

First of all, we should zoom in on BC L’9 Flénu-Frameries. The Hainaut side from the Mons region showed their ambitions clearly during the off-season by bringing in reinforcements Depuydt (Comblain), Moris (Melsele-Beveren), and Menth (Spirou B). With key players Neri, Houdart, and Thibaut Bronchart staying put, Flénu looks like one of the teams to beat in TDM2A. They opened the season with a home win over Sint-Truiden (92–82) and followed that up with a road win at Sijsele (72–84). Center Bronchart is currently averaging over 17 points and 11 rebounds per game.

We also see the young squad of Leuven Bears B at 2-for-2. The team underwent a small facelift, losing, among others, the Nunes e Santos Cruz brothers, while bringing in a wave of young talent. The most notable new names are Guillaume De Mol (Waregem), Léon De Mol (Limburg), Norulf (Kortrijk), and Beddegenoodts (Aarschot). Under coach Danny Wouters, they made short work of Cointe (57–91) and Fleurus (88–79) in their first two outings. Victor Vanderstraeten has been dominant so far, averaging 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

The third team still perfect after two games is BC Asse-Ternat. Coach Vrijders’ squad added guard Evert Van Eyck (Guco Lier), who brings BNXT experience, although Bizimana did leave for Waterloo. BCAT didn’t slip up in their opening matches, with a road win at Oostende (74–83) and a strong home victory over the young talents of Oostkamp (83–74). Van Eyck is currently averaging 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Just below that leading trio, a few other clubs will no doubt play a meaningful role. Basket Tongeren is always a contender at the top, thanks in part to guard Yoann Hertay and big man Rone Ponsaers. RBC Pepinster is another side that consistently competes at a high level, and with their largely unchanged core, they should do so again this season. Finally, keep an eye on KBBC Oostkamp, who are now working closely with the youth program of BC Oostende. Talents from Filou such as Vince T’joncke, Tim Waerniers, and Daan Pieters will feature for Oostkamp this season.

Top Division Men 2B

Turning to TDM2B, four teams have started the season with two wins out of two.

Basics Melsele-Beveren looks like the team to beat in Group B after being relegated from TDM1 last season. The club essentially started from scratch this summer, with only Bouckaert, Huybrechts, and Timmerman staying. Plenty of quality was added, most notably Dorian Marchant from BNXT side Kangoeroes Mechelen. Center Arne Schrevens (2.11m) joined from Antwerp Giants, while the Nunes e Santos Cruz twins arrived from Leuven. In addition, Philippe Peeters (Willebroek), Foerts (Wilrijk), and Shevchuk (Kontich) all came on board. They opened with wins at Jeugd Gentson (56–71) and at home against Andenne (91–45).

BC Sprimont also had a dominant season last year and added Giebens (Comblain) and Aerts (Ciney) this summer. With that, they again look like a team to watch. Their strong collective wasted no time in showing its power, opening with a road win at Waterloo (70–81) and a comfortable home victory against Nivelles (80–58). Pierrick Van Den Brule currently leads the way with 17 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.

Royal IV Brussels also made a strong start. The team from the Palais du Midi survived a tough trip to Hasselt (73–85) and then cruised at home against Esneux (82–62). Energetic guard Junior Bonsenge has been nearly unstoppable so far, averaging 22.5 points per game, while powerful forward Christopher De Medina has chipped in with 15.5 points and 7 rebounds per game.

Finally, promoted side Phantoms Boom also started 2-for-2, with narrow wins at home against Namur-Belgrade (68–64) and away at Hansbeke (84–90). The squad features plenty of players with TDM1 experience, including Leroy Anthonis, Mitchel Gorremans, Geoffrey Hockins, Jens Hendrickx, and Enoch Derby.

Just below the leading quartet, it’s worth keeping an eye on Royal Waterloo (last year’s finalist), newcomer Jeugd Gentson, and Royal Nivelles, who have started the season with an 0–2 record.