Washington Mystics 2024 Draft Pick Nastja Claessens Chooses College Over WNBA
Everyone aims to seize the opportunity when it appears. But that’s not the universal truth, as many would assume. Nastja Claessens let go of the …
Nastja Claessens – WNBA News, Rumors & Updates, Stats
Who is Nastja Claessens?
Nastja Claessens is a rising Belgian power forward known for her maturity beyond her years, inside-out skill set, and international versatility. Drafted by the WNBA’s Washington Mystics in 2024, she continued to develop in Europe and has become a pivotal presence for both her national team and clubs abroad.
Quick Facts – Nastja Claessens
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nastja Claessens |
| Born | December 2, 2004 (Belgium) |
| Age | 20 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Nationality | Belgian (also holds Russian nationality) |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Jersey Number | #5 (IDK Euskotren) |
| Draft | 2024 WNBA Draft, Round 3, Pick 30 by Washington Mystics |
| Professional Clubs | Ion Basket Waregem (2010–2023), Castors Braine (2023–2024), IDK Euskotren (2024–present) |
| National Team | Belgium Women’s National Team (Belgian Cats) |
| Major Achievements | 2025 EuroBasket Women Champion; Belgian Player of the Year & Rookie of the Year (2023) |
| Next Chapter | Signed with Kansas State for 2025–26 college season |
| Off-Court Notes | Daughter of coach Frédéric Claessens and former Cat Irina Medvedeva; began pro club career at age 11 |
Early Life & Club Career
The daughter of a coach and a former national team player, Nastja started playing in Ion Basket Waregem’s senior team as a pre-teen and emerged as a standout. In 2023, she achieved the rare feat of being named both Belgian Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, then transferred to Castors Braine. Since 2024, she is playing for IDK Euskotren in Spain’s Liga Femenina de Baloncesto .
National Team & International Success
Nastja represents the Belgian Cats, playing at the 2024 Paris Olympics after replacing the injured Julie Allemand. She starred in the 2025 EuroBasket Women’s Championship, helping Belgium secure the title with an average of 5.2 PPG and 1.8 RPG, coming off the bench behind veteran Emma Meesseman.
Collegiate Transition
In July 2025, Nastja committed to Kansas State University for the 2025–26 NCAA season, bringing international professionalism and youthful energy to the Wildcats’ roster.
Career Achievements
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EuroBasket Women’s Champion (2025) with Belgium.
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Belgian Player of the Year & Rookie of the Year (2023).
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2024 WNBA Third-Round Draft pick (Mystics)
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Olympic debut with Belgium’s national team in 2024