The World Cup Qualifying Tournaments will take place in Wuhan, Lyon-Villeurbanne, San Juan, and Istanbul from March 11-17. Ideally, the expansion draft for the Tempo and Fire will already have taken place by then. If it hasn’t, the Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul will give the Tempo a perfect opportunity to get a closer look at Isobel Borlase. If it has, Sandy Brondello may get a chance to coach one of her newest players. 

Isobel Borlase made the roster that will represent Australia at the tournament in March, and Sandy Brondello has coached the national team since 2017. If the Atlanta Dream don’t protect Borlase, who hasn’t played in the WNBA yet, the Tempo will undoubtedly try to draft her—and not just because of her connection to Brondello. 

Borlase is a very talented young player. Although only 21, she leads the WNBL in scoring with 22.8 points per game. That is more than WNBA players Mackenzie Holmes and Sania Feagin. Holmes was on the Storm’s roster last season but didn’t play much. Feagin was in the same position with the Sparks. Borlase is also averaging 6.6 rebounds, 3.83 assists, and 1.5 steals.

Borlase has also delivered in the postseason already. She recorded 22 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal in the Bendigo Spirit’s first semi-final game against the Perth Lynx—a 76-86 loss. She could have an immediate impact on an expansion team that has developmental minutes available. 

Isobel Borlase will play on a strong Australian national team

Australia’s national team is filled with WNBA players. Ezi Magbegor, Alanna Smith, Sami Whitcomb, Steph Talbot, Jade Melbourne, and Chloe Bibby will all suit up for the team in Istanbul. Borlase is the youngest player on the roster. 

Australia will face Hungary, Turkey, Argentina, Canada, and Japan. Hungary’s national team features Dorka Juhasz and Kathryn Westbeld. Juhasz is under contract with the Lynx, but sat out the 2025 season, and Westbeld made her WNBA debut with the Mercury. 

Turkey and Canada haven’t announced their rosters yet, but the latter promises to be filled with WNBA talent. Veterans Kia Nurse and Bridget Carleton have played on the national team for years. Youngsters Laeticia Amihere and Aaliyah Edwards also played on the Canadian national team at the Paris Olympics. Borlase played almost nine minutes against that team when Australia and Canada faced off in Paris two years ago. 

She exceeded that number in the semi-final game against Team USA. Borlase played 14 minutes and recorded 11 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in a 64-85 loss.Â