Spirit the ‘best fit’ for rising star Borlase

BENDIGO Spirit’s WNBL championship defence will be minus one Olympian but boosted by another after landing the prize signature of gun young guard Isobel Borlase.

The 20-year-old joins the reigning champions from Adelaide Lightning and is the Spirit’s first new player signing for 2025-26.

She was rated by many basketball pundits as arguably the hottest prospect on the WNBL free agency list this season.

The Paris Olympic medallist’s signing follows the recent departure of Suzy Batkovic medallist and grand final MVP Sami Whitcomb, who will play in Europe next season.

Borlase, who has represented Australia at both senior and under-age level, said she was excited to start a new chapter of her basketball career in Bendigo.

“I’m excited to be signing with Bendigo for this upcoming season,” she said. “I went through the process of free agency and Bendigo felt like the best fit, so I am looking forward to moving there and getting to work.

“I am hoping to develop my game under (Spirit head coach) Kennedy (Kereama), as well as learn from the more experienced players, helping contribute to the team’s continued success.”

Despite her tender years, Borlase brings a wealth of on-court experience.

The 180cm guard was a part of Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence program from 2021-2022, before joining the WNBL in 2022, aged just 18.

She made an instant impact, winning the WNBL’s breakout player of the year award, as well as the WNBL’s sixth woman of the year honour.

In 2024, Borlase was selected by Atlanta Dream with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, cementing her status as an international star on the rise.

She is currently playing NBL1 for Melbourne Tigers, averaging 21 points, 3.57 assists, 5.14 rebounds and 3.43 steals per game. She ranks third in the South conference in steals.

Borlase will again represent the Opals at next month’s FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in China.

Spirit general manager Dan Jackson could not hide his excitement over Borlase’s signing.

“It’s a real coup for us to sign Izzy and have her join us in Bendigo,” he said.

“Izzy is undoubtedly the most sought-after free agent this off-season, so for her to choose the Spirit is a real credit to our program.

“Despite being young, Izzy already has a wealth of experience playing in different teams and tournaments around the world, so we’re looking forward to seeing what she can bring to our program as we embark on our title defence.”

From a talented sporting family, Borlase is the daughter of former international netballer Jenny Borlase and former champion Port Adelaide SANFL defender Daryl Borlase.

More Spirit player signings for the 2025-26 WNBL season will be confirmed in the coming weeks. More sport from page 35