BRNO (Czechia) - Isabel Hernandez may have won the ultimate individual accolade last year with her country but was never taking her place at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 for granted.
That tells you everything you need to know about the humble mindset of this rising star baller. One who instead, would have every right to walk with a swagger after her five-star show in 2025.
If just one or two years ago they told me, ‘Hey Isa you are going to play at an U17 World Cup’, I would have said ‘no you’re crazy - it's impossible’
But just getting to Brno and being allowed to do her thing once again on the international stage is enough to get Hernandez smiling from ear to ear. "When I saw my name in the roster for this tournament, I was excited and I didn't believe it,” insisted the playmaker. "Because if just one or two years ago they told me, ‘Hey Isa you are going to play at an U17 World Cup’, I would have said ‘no you’re crazy - it's impossible’. So, it's like a dream come true. When my coach told me that I was included, I was in shock. "Then the first people I told was my family because they are the ones that are always with me. If I am good, or bad they are always supporting me."
“I’m very excited and a little bit nervous, but they are pretty good nerves and I think that we have a big opportunity to represent Spain. We are going to try to put Spain on the highest level we can. My goal is to win the World Cup," insisted Hernandez.
The 16-year-old landed on the center of the youth basketball radar when she posted a brilliant 19 points in the U16 title game against Slovenia last year to finish with a sparkling MVP average of 13.7 points and 3.7 assists per game. She said: "The best performance of my career so far was in the Final of U16 EuroBasket last year."
"I enjoyed it and had a great time with my team as we won the EuroBasket and it is already an incredible memory in my life. This game gave me more confidence."
The thought of another 12 months development at the highly respected Valencia Basket Club, plus the added confidence from what happened last year means that her influence is likely to be even greater for her country on global debut. But, while Hernandez is happy to lead again and rise up in the clutch moments if needed, she was also at pains to underline out one of Spain’s collective strengths. She stated: “If we have to hit a game-winner we are very lucky that all our team are incredible players, so any of us could take the winning shot and make it." “I have not yet hit a game winner [with Spain] but of course would really like to do this too.”
If Spain do climb onto one of the podium steps on Czech soil as some predict, it’s likely to further fuel the fire inside the classy Hernandez to continue her positive trajectory in the sport. "Thanks to basketball, I am not living in my own house anymore and already chasing my dreams,” she mused. "Basketball has changed my life, and I am already very grateful for that. Basketball is my first love - because of everything about the game. I want the job of my life to be basketball. "My biggest ambition is to represent the Spanish team for as long as I can." It’s also fitting that such a stellar talented and smart player with a huge ceiling is so driven and would love to emulate someone who’s already done everything in the sport for her country.
"My idol in the game is a Spanish one," revealed Hernandez.
"It's Silvia Dominguez and I absolutely love her game. I have also met Silvia. Maybe it's the position because we are both point guards, although I do think we have a different type of game." That contrast in style might indeed be true. But the very fact that Hernandez idolizes a baller with such a renowned competitive edge, defensive mentality and legendary leadership should be music to the ears of Spanish fans.
And, if she does get anywhere near the accomplishments of the recently retired Dominguez, then Spain will have found themselves an absolute gem.
FIBA