How a rising star became the youngest WNBL MVP in over a decade

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Isobel Borlase is rapidly rewriting the record books of Australian basketball. From a standout junior to a WNBA draft pick, her ascent has been defined by explosive scoring and historic milestones that place her alongside the greatest legends of the women's game.

Born in Melbourne in 2004, Isobel Borlase has transitioned from a versatile junior athlete—playing netball and surf lifesaving—to a dominant force in professional basketball. Her rise through the ranks was marked by significant international success, including a silver medal at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup and a gold medal at the 2022 FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship, where she earned All-Star Five honors.

Borlase's impact on the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) reached a crescendo during the 2025–26 season while playing for the Bendigo Spirit. She achieved a personal best of 42 points during a match against the Southside Melbourne Flyers on 21 January 2026. This feat made her only the 11th player in WNBL history to reach that mark, and the first to do so since Penny Taylor in 2002.

That season, Borlase led the league in scoring with an average of 22.9 points per game. This performance earned her the WNBL Most Valuable Player award, making her the youngest recipient since Liz Cambage in 2011. She joined an elite group of players—including Cambage, Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, and Allison Cook—who have secured the MVP title at age 21 or younger.

Her domestic success has paved the way for a professional career in the WNBA. After being drafted 20th overall by the Atlanta Dream in April 2024, she signed a rookie scale contract with the team in April 2026. Her rapid development has also seen her become a fixture in the Australian Opals squad, contributing to an Olympic bronze medal in July 2024.

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