ISTANBUL (Türkiye) - Isobel Borlase is already showing why she's highly rated and one of the prominent faces of this next generation of Opals after an eye-catching opening salvo at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul.
Still only 21 years-old, the versatile Borlase played a brilliant cameo for her team in their opening 91-65 success against Argentina that underlined why she is in line to become an Opals' leader in coming years.
Finishing the contest with a team-high 19 points and making 6-of-8 from the floor, she showcased her shooting range to great effect, dropping three downtown scores in her haul.
For anybody who had not previously had Borlase on their radar despite her siding onto the end of the bench for Paris 2024 while still a teenager, this was the kind of display that will slide her into the center and make her impossible to ignore.
Those Down Under already know the massive potential, with Borlase named WNBL MVP and in the process, becoming the youngest ever winner since Liz Cambage. And, only the 5th player to win it aged 21 years-old or younger - along with the likes of Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor.
And, talking of the FIBA Hall of Famer, it was Borlase who dropped a career-high 42 points in a WNBL game earlier this year, the first time anyone has hit that landmark since Taylor some 24 years ago.
With Australia having several veteran ballers on their roster, it's upcoming players like Borlase who are settling the nerves and any concerns about who can pick up the baton at the elite level.
The truth is, it's already in her hand - and she's ready to run with it.
Having smartly cut her teeth in FIBA youth competitions like many before her, Borlase is well versed in the international game. She appeared at two separate editions of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup before being handed the thrill of an Olympics fairytale and what turned out to be a bronze medal in the French capital.
Now a first FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup roster spot is surely in the pipeline and especially if she helps her team to seal the deal with more impressive performances in Istanbul.
FIBA