Nastja Claessens Biography: Washington Mystics Forward, Belgian National Team & Rising Star

Nastja Claessens is a Belgian professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA and most recently for IDK Euskotren San Sebastian in Spain’s LF Endesa. Recognized for her versatility, scoring, and international experience, Claessens is a rising star in both European and global women’s basketball.

Nastja-Claessens
Nastja-Claessens

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Nastja Claessens

  • Date of Birth: December 2, 2004

  • Hometown: Belgium

  • Height: 6’1″ (1.84 m)

  • Weight: Not widely published

  • Position: Forward

  • Jersey Number: #5

Professional Career

  • Club Teams:

    • Koninklijk Basket Team ION Waregem DSE (Belgium, 2019–2023):

      • Played four seasons, developing her game

    • Castors Braine (Belgium, 2023–2024):

      • 2023–24 Season:

        • 8 games, 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals per game

        • Missed much of the season due to injury

      • Eurocup:

        • 5 games, 12.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals per game

    • IDK Euskotren San Sebastian (Spain, 2024–2025):

      • Signed for the 2024–25 season

      • Continuing to develop as a key contributor

  • WNBA:

    • Washington Mystics (2025):

      • Drafted in the 3rd round (30th overall) of the 2024 WNBA Draft

      • Joins the Mystics for the 2025 season

International Career

  • Belgian National Team:

    • Senior Team:

      • Regular member since 2022

    • U22 National Team:

      • Played for Belgium at the U22 level

    • FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship:

      • 2023: Averaged 16.5 points, 6.7 rebounds per game

    • FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament:

      • Represented Belgium in official qualifiers

Achievements & Honors

  • WNBA draft pick (Washington Mystics, 2024, 3rd round, 30th overall)

  • Regular member of the Belgian senior national team (since 2022)

  • FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship standout

  • Professional player in Belgium and Spain

  • Top scorer and versatile contributor at club and youth international levels

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Versatility and scoring ability

    • Strong rebounding and playmaking

    • Defensive intensity

    • Leadership and team-first mentality

  • Style:

    • Aggressive, dynamic forward who excels in both transition and half-court offense

    • Brings energy and a winning mindset

FAQs About Nastja Claessens

What position does Nastja Claessens play?
Forward

Which team does she play for?
Washington Mystics (WNBA); IDK Euskotren San Sebastian (Spain, 2024–25); Belgian national team (international)

How old is Nastja Claessens?
20 (born December 2, 2004)

What are her main achievements?
WNBA draft pick, Belgian national team regular, FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship standout

What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive forward with strong scoring and leadership

Conclusion

Nastja Claessens is a rising and accomplished forward whose versatility, scoring, and international experience have made her a key figure in Belgian basketball and a promising talent on the global stage.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)