In the electrifying arena of women's basketball, one rising talent is dominating the court and igniting a fierce debate about who deserves the MVP crown this season!
Picture this: It's the seventh round of the WNBL26 season, and Izzy Borlase, the standout player for the Bendigo Spirit, is not just playing—she's performing at a level that's got everyone talking. As a bronze medalist from the Paris Olympics, she's averaging an impressive 22.4 points, snagging 5.4 rebounds, dishing out 3.5 assists, and swiping 2.3 steals per game. Oh, and she's sinking an astounding 89.4% of her free throws. These figures represent career highs for the 21-year-old, including a massive 7.8-point leap in her scoring average, which has propelled her team to a solid 7-2 record so far.
And this is the part most people miss: How did she make such a dramatic improvement? Well, let's dive into that.
Opals coach Sandy Brondello, who has recently taken the helm at the WNBA's Toronto Tempo, is a big supporter of Borlase's MVP candidacy. 'Right now, she's definitely in the running for MVP,' Brondello stated confidently. 'Her impact on the game is undeniable, and it's fantastic to witness. Last season, our focus was on refining her three-point shot, and that's paying off now. She's adapting perfectly to whatever the defense throws at her, showing incredible composure. Physically, she's tough, finishes strong, makes smart plays, passes when needed, and even nails those threes. It's clear she's a poised, hardworking young athlete who's prioritizing her fitness.'
Brondello credits much of Borlase's progress to her relocation from Adelaide to Bendigo, combined with rigorous offseason training. 'Moving to Bendigo was the perfect choice for her,' she explained. 'Being around seasoned veterans who mentor her and boost her self-assurance has been a game-changer. It's been a joy to see her grow; she's such a delightful person. Her happiness and self-confidence are shining through in her stellar play, and the cycle of success is only building her up further.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this rapid rise purely due to individual talent, or does it highlight how team dynamics and coaching can overshadow raw ability?
For her part, Borlase, who scooped up WNBL Sixth Woman of the Year and Breakout Player of the Year in 2023, appreciates the accolades, especially from a mentor like Brondello. Yet, she's keeping her eyes on the bigger picture. 'I'm not fixating on personal honors right now,' she shared. 'My main goal is to perform well and help the Spirit secure consecutive championships. The supportive atmosphere here is key—teammates like Kelsey Griffin, Marianna Tolo, and our strong post players are setting me up perfectly for success. My stats are contributing to wins, and that's what matters most.'
Borlase also expressed amazement at her team's early-season momentum, given the new roster in Bendigo. 'It's thrilling how this fresh group has gelled and committed to finding ways to triumph,' she said. 'I knew we'd be competitive, but reaching this point so quickly is beyond impressive.'
While Borlase gears up for the Spirit's Round 8 clash against Geelong in Ballarat, Brondello sees a bright WNBA future ahead for the Atlanta Dream draft pick. 'Every player dreams of the WNBA to test themselves against the elite, and Izzy is no exception,' Brondello noted. 'Since her draft last year, it's all about proving her spot in that league. At just 21, her potential is enormous. Competing at this high level and then tackling the WNBA will only accelerate her growth—I'm thrilled to watch her evolve.'
Tickets for Friday's Round 8 match at Selkirk Stadium, live on ESPN and 9Now, are still available—grab yours here: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=SPIRIT26.
What do you think? Does Borlase's individual brilliance make her a shoo-in for MVP, or should team success always come first? Share your thoughts below—do you agree with the coaching shift as a key factor, or is there a controversial counterpoint we're missing? We'd love to hear your take!
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