Rik Samaey (born 30 August 1960) is a Belgian former professional basketball player who played as a center.[1] He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Belgian basketball, having won multiple national championships and cups and being named Belgian Player of the Year a record of ten times.[2]
Samaey was born in Ostend, Belgium. In his youth, he initially played football and spent several years with local football clubs, including Club Brugge. At the age of 16, he switched to basketball, where his height and physical presence quickly made him stand out.[3]
Professional career
Samaey began his professional basketball career in 1977 with Sunair Oostende. Standing 2.04 m (6 ft 8 in), he became one of the dominant centers in the Belgian league. During his time with Oostende, he won several Belgian championships and Belgian Cups and established himself as one of the top players in the country.[4]
In 1985, he transferred to Racing Mechelen, where he continued his success. With Mechelen, Samaey won additional national titles and cup trophies and played a key role in the club's domestic dominance during the late 1980s and early 1990s.[5]
After leaving Mechelen in 1995, Samaey played one season with RB Antwerp. He later continued his career in the lower divisions with BC Damme, where he played until his retirement from professional basketball in 1999.[6]
National team career
Samaey was a long-time member of the Belgian national basketball team. He earned 108 international caps and represented Belgium at several major international tournaments, including the EuroBasket championships in 1979 in Italy and 1993 in Germany.[7][8]
Style of play
Playing as a center, Samaey was known for his strength, positioning, and consistency in the paint. He was a reliable scorer and rebounder and was considered one of the most dominant Belgian players of his era.[9]
Belgian Player of the Year: 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1993–94
Post-playing career
After retiring as a player, Samaey remained involved in basketball through youth coaching and media work. He also pursued professional activities outside of sports.[13]
Personal life
Samaey's influence on Belgian basketball has continued through later generations. His son, Bart Samaey, has also been involved in competitive basketball.[14]
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BC Oostende 
1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1984–85 [10] 
