Young Australian Opal Isobel Borlase opens up on WNBA goal, approach to WNBL future

She’s fast becoming the most decorated member of SA’s famed Borlase family but will this hometown Opals hero wear another jersey in WNBL26? Isobel Borlase opens up on her plans to make the leap to the WNBA.

Bronzed Opals young gun Isobel Borlase ticked off wearing the green and gold in her home state but whether she’ll spend the WNBL season with the rescued Adelaide Lightning remains up in the air.

Borlase, selected by Atlanta with the 20th pick in last year’s WNBA draft, is focused on a dominant third WNBL season that she hopes will propel her to the big league.

But the in-demand free agent has WNBL suitors all over the country and, with the Adelaide Lightning’s clouded future only cleared up by a government rescue package, announced Thursday, there remains a chance a rival club could swoop.

Isobel Borlase was proud to wear the green and gold in front of friends and family in Adelaide on Wednesday night. Picture: Getty Images

Borlase is SA sporting royalty — the daughter of Port SANFL champion Darryl and Australian Diamond Jenny, whose brother James plays for the Adelaide Crows and sister Ella represented Australia in surfboat rowing.

She lauded the state government for stepping in and said it was “super positive” an Adelaide team would remain part of the WNBL but was taking a “wait and see” approach to where her playing future lay.

Wherever that is, expect a massive season from the 180cm wing who is working relentlessly on developing her body and skills in preparation for the leap to the WNBA, after two impressive campaigns at the Lightning.

“I’m well aware of the things I need to work on to make that next step and that’s building a stronger base of conditioning to play with a higher intensity and physicality of the WNBA and international basketball and a more consistent three-point shot,” Borlase said.

“I am working on all those things and hopefully, with more time being put into those, I’ll be ready to go for the WNBA.

“Whether that’s next year or the year after, at the end of the day that’s where I want to be playing basketball and competing with the best players in the world.”

Isobel Borlase has spent the past two seasons in Adelaide. Will she be back for a third? Picture: Kelly Barnes

The WNBL will run the Adelaide club for the time being, amid plans for key coaching and administration posts to be appointed in the coming days. Three-time WNBL coach of the year and Opals assistant Cheryl Chambers has emerged as a lead candidate for the club’s top job.

Once those roles are filled, the league hopes to open free agency before the end of the month.

While Basketball Australia’s records are incomplete, it’s understood the Opals have not played in South Australia for nearly three decades — 20-year-old Borlase wasn’t even born.

“It was nice to play at home and see all my family there, it’s always special playing in front of the people who are important to you,” she said.

Alongside four debutantes, the Olympic bronze medallist’s experience belies her youth.

“I’m really enjoying the new group we’ve got together,” she said.

“It was super cool to see all the girls who debuted — that was me last year and it’s crazy to think about how things can happen so quickly.

“Seeing those new girls come through reminded me of that.”

Isobel Borlase in action during last year’s Opals run to Paris Olympic bronze. Picture: Adam Head

Borlase had not faced New Zealand at senior international level before Wednesday night’s 88-70 Trans-Tasman series win at Adelaide Entertainment Centre but is excited for the rebirth of a traditional rivalry.

“Any international game’s always a level up with physicality and skill but this is a cool rivalry trying to be reignited because Australia and New Zealand, in lots of different sports, do have that rivalry, like rugby and netball,” she said.

“It’s a cool thing that we’re trying to do in basketball.”

Borlase and the Opals will be in action again in New Zealand on Sunday night in the third leg of the series against the Tall Ferns.

Originally published as Young Australian Opal Isobel Borlase opens up on WNBA goal, approach to WNBL future