New Flyer Issie Bourne Making Her Opals Debut in China
New Flyer, rising Australian basketball star Issie Bourne, is set to make her official Opals debut this week at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in China. The Asia Cup commences on July 13 with the final to be played on July 20, and Issie’s selection is another significant milestone in her continued development to being a rising star in Australian basketball.
Issie’s journey to becoming an Opal began in 2017 at the Centre of Excellence in Canberra, where she spent two years in the high-performance program. Her first experience pulling on the green and gold was at the 2017 FIBA Oceania Championship, where the team returned home with a gold medal. Two years later, she was selected in the Australian Gems team for the 2019 FIBA Women’s U19 World Cup and played a pivotal role in the team winning a silver medal.
Following her time at the Centre of Excellence, Bourne went on to have a decorated college career on and off the court with the University of Nebraska. She captained the team for three years and has a long list of academic accolades to her name from her time in Nebraska.
Returning to Australia after graduating from College, Bourne played the last two WNBL seasons with the Adelaide Lightning and recently made the move to the Flyers to continue her WNBL career. A decision that has everyone at the Flyers very excited.
Earlier this year, Issie attended her first Opals training camp; however, it didn’t pan out as expected, with Issie suffering a midfoot injury in the second training session.
“Not being able to complete the camp or take part in the Trans-Tasman series was tough. But since then, I’ve stayed focused, preparing both mentally and physically to make sure I was ready when the next opportunity came,” Issie said.
After missing the Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand, the next opportunity was just around the corner with selection for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. When asked what it means to represent the Opals for the first time, she said
“It means everything. Playing for the Opals has always been a dream of mine, so to now be able to wear the jersey and represent Australia on this stage is incredibly special. It’s a moment that makes all the hard work and sacrifices feel worthwhile,” Issie said before flying out of Australia with the team.
In the lead up to the Asia Cup, Issie has been training hard to fine-tune her game, working closely with Flyers Head Coach and Opals Assistant Coach Kristi Harrower. The biggest focus for her is to become more consistent from the three-point line. Her preparation stems off the court as well, making sure she is mentally and physically ready for the demands of the tournament.
Speaking on what parts of her game she has been focusing on in the lead up to the Asia Cup, Issie said
“Defensively, I’ve been working on becoming more physical and aggressive, especially against stronger opponents. I’ve also been focusing on ball-handling – getting more confident and comfortable under pressure with the ball in my hands.”
Competing at tournaments internationally against the best players in the world can be tough, but also provides players with opportunities to improve their game. Issie is looking forward to the challenge.
“The Asia Cup will be a great challenge and an opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the world. The physicality and intensity at the international level will help me grow and understand what it takes to perform at the highest level,” Issie added.
Issie is not the only Southside Flyer representing Australia at the FIBA World Cup. A new Flyers’ teammate, Cayla George will be an Opals teammate, and Kristi Harrower is an Assistant Coach. Maddy Rocci would have made it four Flyers at the Asia Cup in China, but unfortunately, she has had to withdraw from the team due to injury.
The whole Flyers Family will be cheering the Opals on from afar and hopes they bring home a medal.
Join the Flyers new ‘Opals Recruits’ for the 2025/26 WNBL season. Click Here to register for Flyers Membership and receive details before membership goes on sale later this month
Click here for more information on the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup