The upcoming World Cup Qualifiers could be a golden ticket for the Tempo to discover their next superstar! But here's where it gets interesting: the timing of the expansion draft for the Tempo and Fire could significantly impact who gets a closer look.
The global stage is set for the World Cup Qualifying Tournaments, with games scheduled to unfold in Wuhan, Lyon-Villeurbanne, San Juan, and Istanbul between March 11th and 17th. Ideally, the expansion draft for the Tempo and Fire would have already concluded by then. However, if it hasn't, the tournament in Istanbul presents a fantastic chance for the Tempo to scout Isobel Borlase up close. And if the draft has happened, there's a chance coach Sandy Brondello might even get to guide one of her newly acquired players!
Isobel Borlase has earned her spot on the Australian national team roster for the March tournament, and it's worth noting that Sandy Brondello has been at the helm of the national team since 2017. Now, here's a point that might raise some eyebrows: if the Atlanta Dream decide not to protect Borlase, who, despite not having played in the WNBA yet, is a phenomenal talent, the Tempo would almost certainly aim to draft her. And this isn't just about her existing connection with Brondello!
Borlase is a seriously gifted young player. At just 21 years old, she's currently leading the WNBL in scoring with an impressive 22.8 points per game. To put that into perspective, that's more than current WNBA players like Mackenzie Holmes and Sania Feagin. While Holmes was on the Storm's roster last season, her playing time was limited, and Feagin faced a similar situation with the Sparks. Beyond her scoring prowess, Borlase is also contributing significantly with averages of 6.6 rebounds, 3.83 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
And this is the part most people miss: Borlase has already proven her mettle in high-pressure postseason games. In the Bendigo Spirit's first semi-final match against the Perth Lynx, she delivered a standout performance with 22 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal, even though her team ultimately lost 76-86. This kind of immediate impact could be invaluable for an expansion team that has ample opportunities for player development.
Isobel Borlase will be showcasing her skills on a formidable Australian national team. The Australian roster is packed with WNBA talent, including players like Ezi Magbegor, Alanna Smith, Sami Whitcomb, Steph Talbot, Jade Melbourne, and Chloe Bibby, all of whom will be competing in Istanbul. Borlase, as the youngest on this accomplished squad, is certainly in good company.
Australia is set to face tough competition from Hungary, Turkey, Argentina, Canada, and Japan. Hungary's national team boasts players like Dorka Juhasz, who is under contract with the Lynx but sat out the 2025 season, and Kathryn Westbeld, who made her WNBA debut with the Mercury. Turkey and Canada have yet to finalize their rosters, but Canada is expected to be loaded with WNBA talent, featuring long-time national team members Kia Nurse and Bridget Carleton, as well as promising young players Laeticia Amihere and Aaliyah Edwards, who both played in the Paris Olympics. Interestingly, Borlase played nearly nine minutes against Canada in Paris two years ago when the two nations clashed.
She even surpassed that playing time in a semi-final game against Team USA, logging 14 minutes and contributing 11 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in a 64-85 loss.
What do you think? Should the Atlanta Dream prioritize protecting Isobel Borlase, or is her potential best realized by allowing an expansion team to draft her? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
